Renovations continue at the Berg

As the UCF baseball team works to get better on the field in spring practice, construction workers are doing their part to improve the stadium. Phase I of the stadium expansion plan drawn up for Jay Bergman Field is underway and will be complete in time for opening night Feb. 17.

The first phase of expansion includes the addition of approximately 1,100 seats and a restroom expansion. The bench-back style bleacher seating will be added above the main concourse and current seating along the first-base line.

The second phase will begin following the 2012 season. Phase II will include an additional 1,000 seats, a new press box, club seating that will hold up to 150 people, an outdoor covered terrace and new concessions and restrooms.

The school announced the hiring of Skanska USA Building, Inc. and DLR Group to lead the design and building services for the renovations in Sept. 2011.

While the ongoing construction could certainly be a source of noise and distraction, head coach Terry Rooney said he does not mind the construction because he knows that it is a sign of things to come.

"It's the sound of the progress. That's what I tell people. People are asking about the jackhammers and the pounding of the nails — I said they can go all they want," Rooney said in a statement. "It's the sound of progress. They're working day and night to get this done. It's exciting."

Rooney thinks the renovations, along with the team's national ranking, will bring positive attention to the program.

"It's just another piece to the puzzle of this program continuing to move forward. We have the top 25 ranking, and they see the renovations going," Rooney said. "Nobody could be any more excited to start this season."