New UND softball complex will have players swinging for fences

Facility will be ‘beacon for youth softball in Grand Forks,’ says Dave Albrecht, co-namesake of field

Editor’s note: In the UND LEADS Strategic Plan, the Affinity core value calls on the University to “strengthen athletic excellence at UND by supporting our student athletes and enhancing our athletic facilities.” The story below, which UND Today first printed on Oct. 5, spotlights one of the University’s latest effort to enhance athletic facilities, in accordance with the Plan. 

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By Joe Banish

As a strong southeast breeze blew from the future location of home plate toward the outfield, UND broke ground on Albrecht Field, a new softball complex that is part of its Memorial Village II development.

The field is named after lead donors Alexa and Dave Albrecht, whose daughter Jackie is a junior on UND’s softball team.

In addition to the new softball complex – located adjacent to the Frederick D. Pollard Athletic Center – Memorial Village II will feature commercial space and mixed living opportunities.

DeAnna Carlson Zink, CEO of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation, said the new state-of-the-art softball facility will feature over 500 seats, a party deck, LED video board and be a “symbol of pride for UND.”

“It’s designed to enhance not only our athletic programs, but also the overall campus experience,” she said.

UND Director of Athletics Bill Chaves said the project is a culmination of the hard work undertaken by university leadership, city government and the philanthropic commitment of donors.

“This is forever going to change the trajectory of UND athletics,” he said. “The reason is simple – we have great teammates. And teammates that we have a great connection with.”

In addition to UND’s softball program, Albrecht Field will be used by Grand Forks Central and Red River high schools, with Dave Albrecht calling it a “beacon for youth softball in Grand Forks, and across this great state.”

UND President Andy Armacost said the vision behind the Memorial Village project connects the past with the present.

“This is the year of connection – I proclaimed that at the beginning of the school year,” he said. “And we see through this project the power of connections. This entire complex is in honor of those who gave their lives in World War I. To sustain that legacy through the creation of Memorial Village and all of its components really send a message to the past, and a vision to the future.”

Mayor Brandon Bochenski harkened back to his time as a member of UND’s hockey team as an example of the progress made by UND’s athletic department in upgrading its facilities.

“There’s really only one word that comes to mind when you look at projects like this – momentum,” he said. “More than two decades ago, I came here as a student athlete and was training at the old Ralph Engelstad Arena. To see where we are today is phenomenal. To be able to support an athletic facility for the next generation of young student athletes fills me up to the brim.”

The stadium is expected to be completed by fall 2024, in time for that year’s softball season.

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