Rafael Viñoly Architects undertook a Master Plan for Stony Brook University’s Joe Nathan baseball field and University softball field. The new plan encompasses utility and service improvements to the site, new grandstands and facilities for spectators, and an overall landscape that establishes a true ball-park feel. A steel feature roof covers a hardscape plaza and seating at both fields.
A reexamination of the landscape and hardscape on the site reveals how vehicular access routes, designated coaches and umpire parking, and drop-off areas for teams and fans can be enhanced or incorporated. The Master Plan also extends campus utilities to the site, such as water service, power, and telecommunications connections.
For Joe Nathan Field, ground level improvements include a support building with restrooms, mechanical rooms, and an umpire changing room. With the power properly installed, sports field lighting at Joe Nathan Field would increase schedule flexibility by offering night games.
For the University softball field, the Master Plan calls for resurfacing the field from natural to artificial turf, new bleacher seats, a press box with two video platforms, two sunken dugouts, and other upgraded items.
Other amenities that are located between the two fields consist of a concession stand, ticket booth, decorative public entrance gates and fencing at the west side of the stadium, and security fencing with service access gates on the east side of the stadium.