During this holiday season around the High Point University campus it is beginning to look a lot like... Baseball.

As 2006 rushes to a close and 2007 is within sight, excitement is high in the HPU Athletic Department as construction associated with several projects looks to be reaching its final stages.

One of those projects is the renovation of Coy O Willard Sr. Stadium/George S. Erath Field, the home ball park of the High Point baseball program. In the last week, the building shell off the facility has been erected giving Panther fans a glimpse at what is to come for the season which opens on Feb. 3-4 against Charlotte at the new stadium.

Coy Williard, president of Williard-Stewart Inc. On April 12, 2006, and his wife, Susan, donated $1 million to High Point University to name the baseball complex Williard Stadium in honor of Williard's late father, Coy O. Williard Sr.

"Susan and I are so proud to have his name forever established at High Point University," said Williard. "We feel this not only shows our support for the school but also for the entire city as it truly is High Point’s university."

Williard Stadium will feature 500 chair-backed seats, a press box, special guest seating, concessions, marketing areas, and permanent restrooms.

"We are so excited about the construction of this stadium, it is something High Point has needed for many years," said HPU Director of Athletics Dr. Woody Gibson. "This facility will further enhance our program and status as a Division 1 institution. It is wonderful that Coy Williard takes such a special interest in High Point University and its athletic programs."

“We are ecstatic and thrilled,” added head coach Sal Bando, “We are lucky to have a friend like Coy and a President like Dr. Qubein. Once complete, I have no doubt that High Point baseball can be a legitimate contender year-in-and-year out and make its presence felt on the national scene.”
    
Coy O. Williard Sr. Stadium/George S. Erath Field is currently one of the largest parks in North Carolina and has one of the best playing surfaces in the Big South Conference. The field has a natural grass surface and is made up of Bermuda and rye grass. The power alleys are both 370 feet from home plate, while the left and right field lines are 350 feet and 330 feet away, respectively. Center field is 400 feet from the plate.