GW Breaks Ground on New Baseball Videoboard
12/18/2020 10:49:00 AM | Baseball
A leadership gift from the Barmakian family helped support privately-funded project
WASHINGTON - Tucker Field at Barcroft Park will have an enhanced look for the 2021 season, as it was announced on Friday, Dec. 16 that construction has begun on a new videoboard to be used by the GW Baseball program.
The project, entirely privately funded, was made possible due to a lead gift from Joe and Leslie Barmakian, parents of current GW student-athlete and baseball team member, Steve Barmakian. The Barmakian family name will be adorned on the structure, scheduled to be completed prior to the 2021 season.
"Because we are so grateful for what GW Baseball and Coach Gregg Ritchie do to give the student-athletes an opportunity to grow, not only as players, but as young men, we wanted to provide a gift that keeps on giving; one that lasts for years to come," Joe and Leslie Barmakian said. "We believe GW Baseball has the potential to win the A-10 Championship and to compete nationally. So, we're hoping our gift will provide the technology for player instruction, the assistance for recruiting top athletes and increased player visibility, while allowing local and national businesses to support GW's baseball program."
Gallery: (12-18-2020) Tucker Field at Barcroft Park Videoboard
The project received philanthropic support from a number of donors. The structure measures approximately 40 feet tall by 32 feet wide. The LED display, installed by Daktronics, will be approximately 18 feet tall by 32 feet wide for a total of 576 square feet of display.
The digital display will have the capability to show live video, updated statistics, sponsor messages, player biographical information and more.
"Our donors continue to show the community how transformative gifts can alter the trajectory of GW Athletics and our programs for years to come," said Director of Athletics Tanya Vogel. "The lead gift from the Barmakian family puts a beautiful capstone on Tucker Field, and with the Fassnacht Clubhouse, gives our student-athletes a true home in Arlington County with all the feels and touches of a big league experience. Our endless gratitude goes to the Barmakians, our alumni and the GW Baseball family who are transforming the program through their philanthropic spirit."
The new videoboard is the latest enhancement to Tucker Field at Barcroft Park, which has served as the home of GW baseball since the team relocated off the Ellipse in 1993. The facility was dedicated on Oct. 18, 2014 in honor of Ave Tucker (GWSB B.B.A '77, member of the GW Board of Trustees and former GW baseball student-athlete).
The Fassnacht Clubhouse was constructed and dedicated on Oct. 20, 2018 as the program's new year-round home. The structure is the first permanent on-site clubhouse in the history of GW baseball and features meeting spaces, coaches offices and a turf practice area.
Following GW's signing of an agreement with Arlington County in 2011, Barcroft Park underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2012 to install a new press box, concession area, dugouts, bullpens and stadium seating. Arlington County has served as a tremendous partner for the GW program. The two parties' agreement to permit new construction was extended by 10 years to 2041 following the construction of the Fassnacht Clubhouse.
"We are so thankful to the Barmakians for this incredible gift and support of our program," said head coach Gregg Ritchie. "The continued support of our alumni base and fans drives home how we are all one Buff & Blue family coming together to support our young men. This top-of-the-line videoboard will provide special excitement for the fans and student-athletes. It also allows us to improve in developmental techniques.
"We had a vision coming here and we have been able to see it realized, providing one of the best experiences in the country and 'the show' to come see at The Tuck!"
Opportunities are still available to join the GW baseball family and help the ongoing project. More information is available here.
The project, entirely privately funded, was made possible due to a lead gift from Joe and Leslie Barmakian, parents of current GW student-athlete and baseball team member, Steve Barmakian. The Barmakian family name will be adorned on the structure, scheduled to be completed prior to the 2021 season.
"Because we are so grateful for what GW Baseball and Coach Gregg Ritchie do to give the student-athletes an opportunity to grow, not only as players, but as young men, we wanted to provide a gift that keeps on giving; one that lasts for years to come," Joe and Leslie Barmakian said. "We believe GW Baseball has the potential to win the A-10 Championship and to compete nationally. So, we're hoping our gift will provide the technology for player instruction, the assistance for recruiting top athletes and increased player visibility, while allowing local and national businesses to support GW's baseball program."
The project received philanthropic support from a number of donors. The structure measures approximately 40 feet tall by 32 feet wide. The LED display, installed by Daktronics, will be approximately 18 feet tall by 32 feet wide for a total of 576 square feet of display.
The digital display will have the capability to show live video, updated statistics, sponsor messages, player biographical information and more.
"Our donors continue to show the community how transformative gifts can alter the trajectory of GW Athletics and our programs for years to come," said Director of Athletics Tanya Vogel. "The lead gift from the Barmakian family puts a beautiful capstone on Tucker Field, and with the Fassnacht Clubhouse, gives our student-athletes a true home in Arlington County with all the feels and touches of a big league experience. Our endless gratitude goes to the Barmakians, our alumni and the GW Baseball family who are transforming the program through their philanthropic spirit."
The new videoboard is the latest enhancement to Tucker Field at Barcroft Park, which has served as the home of GW baseball since the team relocated off the Ellipse in 1993. The facility was dedicated on Oct. 18, 2014 in honor of Ave Tucker (GWSB B.B.A '77, member of the GW Board of Trustees and former GW baseball student-athlete).
The Fassnacht Clubhouse was constructed and dedicated on Oct. 20, 2018 as the program's new year-round home. The structure is the first permanent on-site clubhouse in the history of GW baseball and features meeting spaces, coaches offices and a turf practice area.
Following GW's signing of an agreement with Arlington County in 2011, Barcroft Park underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2012 to install a new press box, concession area, dugouts, bullpens and stadium seating. Arlington County has served as a tremendous partner for the GW program. The two parties' agreement to permit new construction was extended by 10 years to 2041 following the construction of the Fassnacht Clubhouse.
"We are so thankful to the Barmakians for this incredible gift and support of our program," said head coach Gregg Ritchie. "The continued support of our alumni base and fans drives home how we are all one Buff & Blue family coming together to support our young men. This top-of-the-line videoboard will provide special excitement for the fans and student-athletes. It also allows us to improve in developmental techniques.
"We had a vision coming here and we have been able to see it realized, providing one of the best experiences in the country and 'the show' to come see at The Tuck!"
Opportunities are still available to join the GW baseball family and help the ongoing project. More information is available here.
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