One of Austin’s most-used sporting complexes is getting a much-needed upgrade as new money continues to sweep through athletics in the city.
According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Nelson Field—a multi-use stadium and athletic facility on Austin’s north side—is receiving a major investment. In a May 21 submission, Austin Independent School District (AISD) filed for a $6.8 million upgrade to Nelson Field, with a focus on replacing the baseball field turf, installing two new batting cages and renovating two dugouts. New field lighting also is expected to be added to the facility that is set to expand to more than 2,700 square feet.
Nelson Field hosts baseball, football and track and field events, and it also serves as the home stadium and facility for multiple Austin High Schools, including Eastside, LBJ, Navarro and Northeast. However, one of the biggest benefits for the teams will simply be a more welcoming experience for kids who want to play.
“Our infield had grass grown in, we didn’t have a fence on our practice field, nothing,” said Javon Rigsby, head baseball coach of the Northeast Raiders. “It was just not very inducive [to playing baseball] and kids don’t want to be out there … we walked out there one day and there was a [transient] man using the restroom on our field that’s on our campus and he just walked away like nothing. How does that make a kid want to be out there?”
“It’s a huge step forward for our program because it gives our student-athletes the opportunity to compete in facilities that match surrounding districts,” said Noel Sanchez, head baseball coach of the LBJ Jaguars. “It also creates more community involvement and pride, while helping keep our kids from feeling like they have to look at other school districts for better opportunities.”
Construction is set to begin in July, with a proposed completion date for February 2027.
“These new facilities would make these kids understand that Austin actually does care about sports,” Rigsby said. “A lot of the kids don’t think they care, so why would they play if they don’t care?”
Renovations at Nelson Field by AISD will extend beyond just the baseball fields. A total budget of $25 million has been allocated for the entire complex, which includes plans for future improvements to the grandstands, field house, press box, restrooms, and concessions. Stantec Architecture, Inc. will manage the buildout in collaboration with the construction firm Cadence McShane.