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NEWPORT NEWS, VA. – Outstanding facilities have been a cornerstone of success for Christopher Newport University athletics for many years. Today, Director of Athletics Todd Brooks unveiled plans for the latest enhancements to several of CNU's athletic facilities.
 
Already under construction and nearing completion, CNU's tennis courts are receiving a significant upgrade with the addition of six new outdoor courts. The new construction now gives Captains tennis twelve total courts they can use to train and compete. Increasing the number of courts on campus allows for more flexibility by both the men's and women's teams to schedule training and competition time for their student-athletes.
 
The project also includes a comprehensive lighting system by Musco Sports Lighting that will allow student-athletes to use the facility later in the evening and create more flexibility in scheduling tennis events around class schedules. Additionally, all twelve tennis courts have seen new fencing installed and the existing courts will be resurfaced in the summer of 2015.
 
"The future of tennis at Christopher Newport is very bright," Brooks said. "As Coach Christiansen and his staff continue to attract student-athletes capable of competing with the best in the country, we are committed to providing them with a facility that promotes their success."
 
Construction on the CNU tennis courts began last September and requires only the final application of the playing surface along with installation of new nets and benches before hosting their first matches later this spring. E.T. Gresham of Norfolk was selected to manage the project.
 
Also under construction this spring is Captains Park, home of CNU softball. It is undergoing a comprehensive transformation and later this year will become one of the best NCAA Division III softball facilities in the country.
 
"CNU softball has distinguished itself as premier program in Division III," Brooks added. "We are excited to be able to invest in Captains Park and have it match the quality of student-athletes that are a part of Keith Parr's program."
 
Construction began in January on new dugouts that will serve as the first phase of the facility's makeover. The new dugouts have been lowered below field level and feature a permanent brick structure on both the first and third base sides of the field.
 
Lingering winter weather delayed construction on the dugouts and forced several schedule changes earlier this season. However, the dugouts were completed in time to host their first tenants during Tuesday's matchup with DePauw University.
 
Following completion of the 2015 softball season, E.T. Gresham, who was also selected to manage construction on Captains Park, will resume construction and begin work on the addition of more permanent seating, construction of a press box, and grass seating areas to accommodate spectators.
 
The project also includes a Musco lighting system that will allow night games to be played for the first time in program history beginning in 2016.
 
Captains Park will be completed this summer and will also include significant work facing Moores Lane to provide Captains softball with a more visible presence.
 
Included with the announcement, Brooks provided details on a high definition videoboard that will make its debut in POMOCO Stadium for the fall 2015 football season. Manufactured and installed by Daktronics, Inc., the industry standard in live video displays, POMOCO Stadium's videoboard will have an LED display that is 24 feet wide by 13 feet high.
 
"Adding a videoboard to POMOCO Stadium will enhance the gameday experience for all of our alumni, parents and fans," said Brooks. "Our student-athletes that compete in football and track & field provide us with over 200 true examples of exceptional student-athletes. This videoboard visibly demonstrates our goal of continuing to deliver a championship experience for these young women and men."
 
The Daktronics display will allow for instant replays, in-game statistics, fan promotions and live video. Construction will begin this spring and will be complete prior to the beginning of the 2015 season.