The sounds of softball have returned to downtown at Milwaukee School of Engineering’s newest campus enhancement: MSOE Raiders Field. The $2.9 million complex is home to MSOE’s NCAA Division III women’s softball team. The community will come together to dedicate the new softball field on Saturday, May 6 before the Raiders take the field for a double header against the St. Norbert Green Knights.

“This field has truly elevated the student athlete experience in more ways than one,” said Brooke Gajewski, softball head coach. “It’s given us a place to call home while helping us take our game to the next level. We’ve already had some incredible moments that will make lasting memories.”

Raiders Field is part of a larger project to expand the facilities for MSOE Athletics, provide greater opportunities for women athletes, and expand co-curricular arts programming. This expansion including Raiders Field was made possible entirely though the philanthropy of Dr. Kathy Ruehlow ’72, MSOE Regent; MSOE Regent Matthew ’99 and Jodi ’98 Burow; and Fiduciary Management Inc.

“Raiders Field is one of the premier fields in the region and we are proud to have alumni and friends who support our commitment to expanding women’s sports and providing more opportunities for students to become engaged on campus and with their peers,” said MSOE President John Walz, Ph.D. “Whether you’re playing the game or cheering on any of the Raiders teams, athletics are an exciting part of the campus experience at MSOE and provide opportunities for students to grow as leaders of character.”

In addition to Raiders Field, MSOE added new offices for coaches and new women’s locker rooms in the Kern Center and Viets Field. This allows the Raiders athletics program to add five new women’s teams in lacrosse, ice hockey, swim, golf and bowling, and to expand women’s track and field offerings. The number of women athletes will increase by 130, more than doubling the current number of women who participate in varsity sports. MSOE is also developing the Patricia E. Kern Conservatory of Music at 308 E. Juneau Ave. The conservatory will be the first-ever dedicated space on campus for the university’s music programs.

Raiders Field replaced the university’s original softball field in the center of campus in downtown Milwaukee. The facility provides MSOE’s softball team with a state-of-the-art facility, comparable to the Kern Center, Viets Field and Raiders Baseball Stadium in Glendale, Wis. It features:

• A natural grass and dirt field with the same infield material and grass as American Family Field
• Dugouts for each team
• A single lane batting cage and bullpen on each side of the field
• 210’ from home plate to the center field fence and 185’ from home plate to the left and right field corners
• A building behind home plate featuring a press box, ticket window and concessions
• A combination of permanent and temporary “in season” fencing to keep the facility in top condition
• Seating for 250 spectators

The field area retains MSOE’s sand volleyball court, Frisbee golf holes, walking paths and green space. Raiders Field was designed by Ramlow/Stein Architecture + Interiors in collaboration with 4Most Sport Group. Catalyst Construction served as the project manager.