George Mason University officials announced March 28 they would not move forward on plans for the proposed baseball/cricket stadium slated to be located on the underused western portion of Mason’s Fairfax campus.
University president Gregory Washington in a statement said Mason leaders had determined the plan “does not meet the strategic objectives of our campus and community and the Washington Freedom.”
His message seemed to preclude restarting the planning in the future.
Sanjay Govil, owner of the Washington Freedom cricket team, had hoped to partner with Mason to construct what was described as an interim facility to be used both by his team and the university’s baseball squad.
The proposal had been approved by Mason’s board of visitors, with play at the stadium to start in 2025. But criticism of the proposal, after specifics were detailed in January, led to a re-evaluation of the plans.
The decision leaves Mason officials still on the search for what to do with the university’s baseball facilities.
George Mason’s baseball team currently competes in the 900-seat Spuhler Field, which since its debut in the mid-1980s has seen only limited additional investment. Dugouts didn’t make an appearance until 2016, and there is no lighting or video board – shortcomings that hamper recruiting efforts, university officials said.
“We remain committed to working together to grow the university and build a strong and sustainable infrastructure, including our athletics facilities, for everyone who participates with Mason,” Washington said his message to the community.
