GOLDEN, Colo. - Colorado School of Mines has named its renovated softball facility the Joe Coors, Jr. Softball Field in honor of the late supporter of Mines Athletics.

The stadium, which underwent significant renovation during the 2018-19 academic year, was previously known as the CSM Softball Field. It will be officially dedicated at a future home game. 

The renovation was made possible by an anonymous donation in honor of Coors, who was a longtime supporter of numerous Mines Athletics programs. Coors served on the Mines Board of Trustees from 1991 to 1999, as well as on the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering and Athletics visiting committees. Along with his wife Gail, Coors was a generous philanthropic leader and dedicated Mines supporter; the department continues to hold the Joe Coors, Jr. Memorial Golf Outing every summer in his honor. 

"I am very proud to be able to recognize Joe Coors' lasting impact at Mines by placing his name on our beautiful home for Mines Softball," said Director of Athletics David Hansburg. "Joe was dedicated to making sure every Mines student had an exceptional experience, and he was a great fan of our entire athletics program."

The stadium was extensively redeveloped as the original dugouts, press box, and backstop were replaced with new versions, and additions were made including restrooms, storage, visitor's bullpen, and an umpires' dressing room while improving sightlines for fans and added seating behind home plate. The Orediggers won their first game at the new facility on April 19, 2019 with a 10-6 victory over MSU Denver.