BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Cal State Bakersfield Athletics is excited to share the vision and plans for the recently-announced $1.5 million dollar donation to the Roadrunner Baseball program. The generous gift was made by Bakersfield home builder and philanthropist Thomas Hardt, who has stepped up to the plate once again to enhance the fan experience at Hardt Field, home of CSUB Baseball.
The initial plans for Hardt Field improvements include construction of a modern entrance and reception area for fans. The area will include the following amenities:
These enhancements to the CSUB Baseball facilities align with the Athletics Department's mission to provide Bakersfield and Kern County with a premium entertainment experience for NCAA Division I baseball. Hardt's tremendous donation to the baseball program and its facilities will help create memories for generations of Bakersfield and Kern County residents. CSUB Athletics plans to break ground on the new construction later in 2023 following the baseball season, which leads off next month.
Hardt, a CSUB alumnus and Hall of Fame inductee, was instrumental in bringing NCAA Division I baseball to CSUB. The Cal State Bakersfield baseball stadium was named Hardt Field after his $1 million donation helped start the program in 2009. With the first game of the inaugural season quickly approaching, Hardt mobilized a squad of scholar-athletes, coaches, and community volunteers to transform a 100,000-square-foot vacant property into a Division I baseball facility.
"It has always been my desire to see the university grow and flourish, and I am happy to be able to make a contribution towards those goals," Hardt said of his decision to come to bat for the `Runners once again. "As a former baseball player, I know firsthand the feeling of having a crowd rooting for you and your team during games."
CSUB Director of Athletics Kyle Conder said Hardt's gift reflects Bakersfield's reputation as a baseball community:
"We are so grateful to Tom Hardt for his continued support and investment in our program. Tom shares our vision for CSUB, CSUB Athletics, and CSUB Baseball. Bakersfield is a terrific baseball community, and we are excited to enhance Hardt Field through this transformational gift. Tom's philanthropy is a model that is representative of what we can achieve in Bakersfield through support from our alumni and community. This gift serves as a catalyst for our alumni, fans, and community to invest in Roadrunner Athletics. We can cultivate a championship caliber program for CSUB Baseball and across all sports with help from more leaders like Tom."
CSUB Baseball opens its 2023 season on Friday, February 17 with a four-game home series against St. Thomas (Minn.) from The Summit League. The `Runners host five out of ten Big West opponents, and Hardt Field will welcome several nationally-competitive programs, including a visit from Ohio State, March 10-12. Big West play begins in Bakersfield, March 31 through April 2, when CSUB hosts UC Davis.
Three different ticket packages are available for the 2023 baseball season: a full season ticket plan (29 games), two different half-season plans (Big Game & Weekends) (14 games each), and a flex plan (7+ games). Those interested in becoming season ticket holders for the first time are invited to purchase directly from the links below:
For any ticket questions or for more information, contact the CSUB Athletics Ticket Office at (661) 654-BLUE, (661) 654-GOLD or tickets@csub.edu.
~GoRunners.com~
