MCHENRY — Garrett College’s turf field will officially be dedicated as First United Community Field between games of the Lakers’ April 25 baseball doubleheader against Westmoreland County (PA) Community College.
The dedication will take place at approximately 2:30 p.m. — after the 1 p.m. opener and before the 3 p.m. nightcap. As part of the ceremony, First United Bank & Trust President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Rush will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Game 2.
First United’s leadership recently announced that the facility’s official name would be First United Community Field.
“We feel the name reflects the importance First United attaches to supporting and sustaining our community. When we invest in shared spaces like this field, we’re investing in community pride, perseverance and possibilities for the next generation,” said Rush.
First United’s naming gift, announced last November, was the gift that permitted the Athletics Capital Campaign to officially clear the minimum $500,000 goal set by the Garrett College Foundation and Garrett College.
The campaign now has nearly $800,000 in gifts and pledges for renovation of the 700 Building, which will provide additional locker rooms, athletic training and rehabilitation space, conference space and coaches offices for the four teams that use the adjoining turf field.
Garrett County Government and the Garrett College Board of Trustees jointly funded nearly $5 million in construction costs for the renovation.
Cherie Krug, executive director of the Garrett College Foundation, said the athletics capital campaign will continue to help offset some of those construction costs as additional gifts are recognized.