Daniel R. Martin Family Foundation donates $3 million to build FPU’s Baseball Stadium

Fresno Pacific University has announced a $3 million commitment from the Daniel R. Martin Family Foundation to upgrade the Steinert Athletic Complex.

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The gift helps begin construction on a three-phase project at FPU Diamond--now known as Dan Martin Stadium--including a new concession stand and restroom, stadium seating, press box and locker room. The capital campaign, Winning by Design, was launched in early 2019 to enhance the athletic facilities on the campus of FPU.

“The Martin Family Foundation and Mrs. Williams have been kind and generous partners who believe in the transformative power of Christian higher education,” Fresno Pacific President André Stephens, Ph.D., remarked. “Their gift ensures that current and future students can experience the life-changing, holistic education that FPU offers inside and outside the classroom. We are grateful for their Kingdom investment.”

The Daniel R. Martin Family Foundation also supports the university through an annual scholarship for students. Established by the late Daniel R. Martin and his daughter, Teri Williams, the scholarship was developed to support Christian scholars. Over the years, they have been advocates of Christian values and have contributed greatly to many worthy causes in the Central Valley region. It is the Martin Family Foundation's hope that the gift will transform student-athletes as they receive the Christian education and character development necessary to become productive citizens and Christian leaders of local communities.

Three-phase project

The nearly 1,000-square-foot concession stand and restroom will serve the Steinert Athletic Complex and will sit at the new entrance gate. Phase one also includes a concrete plaza and grand entrance, an ADA-compliant walkway and a new ticket booth.

Phase two includes seating for over 700, including 415 stadium chairs behind home plate. The plans also include a roof for shade and protection, setting the facility apart as one of the finest in the Valley and NCAA Division II. A new press box will serve staff and local media.

A locker room for the Sunbird student-athletes highlights the third phase of the project. The 2,600-square-foot clubhouse will feature 40-plus lockers for the Sunbirds, including a common area, coach's offices, laundry and team restroom and shower area.

Construction is estimated to begin following the 2023 baseball season. Fundraising for all three phases is still ongoing, with stadium seating sponsorships, locker sponsorships and business sponsorships available.

For more information about the project and the Winning by Design capital campaign, please visit fpuathletics.com/WinningByDesign.

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