TUCSON, Ariz. – Mike Candrea Field at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium was named the 2024 Netting Professionals/NFCA DI Field of the Year, announced on Tuesday by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
Hillenbrand Stadium, the home of Arizona Softball, was named in honor of the late Rita Hillenbrand, sister of the late Wildcat benefactor William G. Hillenbrand and his wife, Doby (Delores D.). The couple financed the stadium and initial landscaping project, and the Hillenbrand family has continued to contribute funds to support Arizona softball and Wildcat athletics.
The playing field is tended by Zach Redding, Darren Criswell, and Johnnie Slater.
Hillenbrand's infield, outfield and foul territories provide a top playing surface that make it second to none in college softball. Tucson's climate and year-round maintenance keep the facility in game-ready condition more than 300 days per year. Aside from the .868 home winning percentage, Arizona and visiting teams alike enjoy the facility for its playing surface.
The stadium has a total capacity of 2,639 and is regarded as one of the nation's top softball facilities, hosting 22 NCAA Regionals and the first Pac-12 Softball Tournament. Hillenbrand Stadium has welcomed over 1.3 million fans in its 31 years of existence and Arizona has led its conference in cumulative attendance in 29 of those seasons.
The facility underwent a state-of-the-art renovation in 2019, just one year after the 25th anniversary of the original Hillenbrand Stadium that was built in 1993. The 2019 updates included two premium seating areas with brand-new infield bleachers backed by a club level behind the first base line and a two-level, enclosed press box. Shade structure down both baselines and off the press box provide cover from the Tucson sun for the majority of the infield seating. Additionally, the Alumni Plaza overlooks the seating areas down the third base line and honors the rich and storied history of Arizona Softball.
Upon entering Hillenbrand Stadium, fans are drawn in by the Wall of Fame highlighting Arizona's eight National Championship teams and player accomplishments from Arizona's dominant history. The renovated concourse features updated concession stands and pole-free netting that provides fans with improved sightlines from all infield seats. The outfield wall is littered with Arizona's championships, NCAA accolades, and player accomplishments that showcase the historical dominance of the program.
This award, made possible by NFCA Official Sponsor Netting Professionals, recognizes top fields/stadiums in the nation for their flawless grounds maintenance and exceptional playing surfaces. These locations are selected by the NFCA Awards Committee for NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Cal JC, NWAC, and High School.
The winners were nominated by NFCA member coaches and selected by a panel of their peers on the NFCA Awards Committee. They will be recognized on Dec. 7 during the NFCA Convention's annual Awards Brunch.
