On Tuesday, February 12th, the Gators Softball team returned to a fully renovated Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. The Gators unveiled their $15 million renovation to the softball stadium Tuesday night against Japan in an exhibition game.

The full-scale renovation features a 360-degree open concourse, increased seating capacity with chair-back seats, shade structures for fans, an elevated press box, on-site office space for coaches, expanded dugouts, a larger lounge and a new locker room. There is a berm in the outfield and multiple plaza spaces for general admission seating.

Prior to the game, the players received a tour of the refurbished stadium and saw their new amenities for the first time. Several former players, including Kayli Kvistad, also were on hand for opening night. “It was absolutely amazing,” said Florida’s Kelly Barnhill, who pitched three innings against Japan. “I think literally everyone’s jaw just dropped when we walked into the locker room. It feels like a really professional place. We can’t be any more thankful for everyone who made this possible, from the boosters to the donors to the girls who came before us and started the legacy we have here at Florida.”

With the success of Coach Tim Walton’s program, the new amenities have been a long time coming. Florida pitcher Kelly Barnhill, one of five seniors on this year’s team, has no complaints about all the changes and moving parts before her final season. “I’m just so thankful I get to play on the new field and be in the new facilities. One more year and I wouldn’t have been here,” Barnhill said. “It’s really awesome that I get to experience this with my teammates for the last go around.”

Read the full articles at Gatorsports.com: Renovated Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium Star of the Day
Renovated Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium Makes Its Debut