The much-needed replacement turf field for Les Murakami Stadium in Honolulu is on track to be ready for the 2025 University of Hawaii baseball season, despite a tight timeline. The project, which is estimated to cost $2.3 million for turf and installation, has been delayed over the years but is now in progress. UH provided an update to Spectrum News on the long-awaited project.
According to UH spokesman Dan Meisenzahl, the turf project is tentatively scheduled for completion in January 2025. While a contractor has not yet been selected and the specific type of turf to be used has not been determined, work is set to begin in December. This means that college baseball seasons will start with a new surface at LMS.
Since 2008, UH has been playing on the old DomoTurf surface, which is showing signs of wear and tear. The original plan was to have the new turf installed before the 2024 season, but the funds were redirected to other needs on Lower Campus. Additionally, UH is considering a new batting cage, as the current one without a roof along the third base line at LMS has been used for the past two years.
The timeline for the new batting cage project is still being finalized, according to Meisenzahl. Brian McInnis covers the state’s sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii and can be contacted at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.
