Just in time for Grand Junction’s baseball season, Sam Suplizio Field opened its doors Friday after nearly a year of renovations.

There are new stands and seating along the first base line, new concession stands and restrooms, elevator-equipped handicapped seating, a dual-sided press box, an enclosed hospitality suite elevated above the press box, and new dugouts.

The stadium will hold close to 7,000 people, and will be home to the new minor league Grand Junction Rockies, the Colorado Rockies Pioneer League affiliate.

CMU Athletic Director Butch Miller said the field “is second to none in terms of facilities in D2.”

Miller said he is also excited for what it will bring to the university.

“It will be a huge recruiting tool,” Miller said. “I think student athletes will love playing.”

Mavericks baseball kicked-off the re-opening Friday night in the Game of Hope, a benefit for the American Cancer Society. About 2,500 people attended and the Mavs defeated Metro State 19-5.

The next Suplizio event will be the Mavs’ Record Attendance Night at 6:30 p.m. April 27.

The stadium will continue to be host to the JUCO World Series. JUCO was the main reason for the renovations and $8.3 million was put into the new look of Suplizio Field. JUCO begins May 28 and runs a few weeks into June.

For more information about the renovation to Suplizio field and its events, contact 244-1507.