South Bend wins $3 million in state money for Byers Softball Complex improvements

Jordan Smith, South Bend Tribune
Updated ·1 min read
On April 19, 2024, Indiana's State Budget Committee awarded South Bend's Byers Softball Complex $3 million for upgrades, including an overhaul of the main softball fields to install new sod and infield material, as well as other improvements. The facility is shown Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
On April 19, 2024, Indiana's State Budget Committee awarded South Bend's Byers Softball Complex $3 million for upgrades, including an overhaul of the main softball fields to install new sod and infield material, as well as other improvements. The facility is shown Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

SOUTH BEND — The city of South Bend will use $3 million in state money approved Friday to renovate the aging Byers Softball Complex in an effort to attract more tournaments to the ballpark.

Built on the city's southwest side in 1997, the complex features five softball fields that host up to six large travel tournaments a year, according to Jordan Gathers, interim director of South Bend Venues, Parks and Arts. He said the facility's tournaments result in about 1,500 overnight stays each year at area hotels and an estimated annual economic impact of $1.4 million.

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Money approved by the State Budget Committee Friday will fund a host of improvements, including an overhaul of the main softball fields to install new sod and infield material. Crews will also add new backstops and replace damaged fencing and walkways.

South Bend Parks Department worker Mark Florkowski walks through the Byers Softball Complex on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in South Bend. On April 19, Indiana's State Budget Committee awarded the complex $3 million for upgrades, including an overhaul of the main softball fields to install new sod and infield material.
South Bend Parks Department worker Mark Florkowski walks through the Byers Softball Complex on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in South Bend. On April 19, Indiana's State Budget Committee awarded the complex $3 million for upgrades, including an overhaul of the main softball fields to install new sod and infield material.

Upgrades targeted toward fans include renovated concession and restroom facilities. The state money will pay for a new parking area to court more visitors and a new splashpad to cool down crowds. An old parking lot will be restored, too.

"We're fortunate to have this complex in our area and upgrades like this go a long way to improving the quality of life in our community," State Rep. Jake Teshka, who represents North Liberty, said in a statement Friday.

Upgrades for the Byers Softball Complex in South Bend include renovations to the concessions stands, shown on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Upgrades for the Byers Softball Complex in South Bend include renovations to the concessions stands, shown on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Gathers said changes to the facility at 1300 S. Mayflower Road won't interrupt the 2024 season. He expects renovations to begin later this year and continue through next spring to finish by July 2025.

Email South Bend Tribune city reporter Jordan Smith at JTsmith@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @jordantsmith09

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Upgrades planned at South Bend Byers Softball Complex