University of North Dakota breaks ground on new softball complex

The University of North Dakota is investing in its softball program.

The new softball complex, Albrecht Field, is part of its Memorial Village II development, and the ground was broken for the project. The field is named after lead donors Alex and Dave Albrecht, whose daughter Jackie is a junior on the team.

A recent story from the University of North Dakota detailed the design of the Bison’s new softball complex. Below is an excerpt from the University of North Dakota story.

DeAnna Carlson Zink, CEO of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation, said the new state-of-the-art softball facility will feature over 500 seats, a party deck, LED video board and be a “symbol of pride for UND.”

“It’s designed to enhance not only our athletic programs but also the overall campus experience,” she said.

UND Director of Athletics Bill Chaves said the project is a culmination of the hard work undertaken by university leadership, city government, and the philanthropic commitment of donors.

“This is forever going to change the trajectory of UND athletics,” he said. “The reason is simple – we have great teammates. And teammates that we have a great connection with.”

In addition to UND’s softball program, Albrecht Field will be used by Grand Forks Central and Red River high schools, with Dave Albrecht calling it a “beacon for youth softball in Grand Forks and across this great state.”

UND President Andy Armacost said the vision behind the Memorial Village project connects the past with the present.

“This is the year of connection – I proclaimed that at the beginning of the school year,” he said. “And we see through this project the power of connections. This entire complex is in honor of those who gave their lives in World War I. To sustain that legacy through the creation of Memorial Village and all of its components really send a message to the past, and a vision to the future.”

Mayor Brandon Bochenski harkened back to his time as a member of UND’s hockey team as an example of the progress made by UND’s athletic department in upgrading its facilities.

“There’s really only one word that comes to mind when you look at projects like this – momentum,” he said. “More than two decades ago, I came here as a student-athlete and was training at the old Ralph Engelstad Arena. To see where we are today is phenomenal. To be able to support an athletic facility for the next generation of young student-athletes fills me up to the brim.”

The stadium is expected to be completed by fall 2024, in time for that year’s softball season.

To read the full story from the University of North Dakota, click here.