A project to renovate the Steinert Athletic Complex at Fresno Pacific University in Fresno was bolstered Wednesday with the announcement of a $3 million gift. FPU screengrab

Fresno Pacific University (FPU) announced a $3 million commitment from a local foundation that will be used to upgrade the Steinert Athletic Complex.

The gift helps begin construction on a three-phase project at FPU Diamond, including a new concession stand and restroom, stadium seating, press box and locker room. The capital campaign, Winning by Design, was launched in early 2019 to enhance the athletic facilities on the campus of FPU.

Making the donation is the Daniel R. Martin Family Foundation, established by late petroleum executive Daniel R. Martin and his daughter, Teri Williams. The Martin Family Foundation also supports an annual scholarship developed to support Christian scholars at the Mennonite Brethren-affiliated university in Southeast Fresno.

First-phase Improvements to the baseball facility include a 1,000-square-foot concession stand and restroom near a new entrance gate that includes a concrete plaza, ADA-compliant walkway and new ticket booth.

Phase two includes seating for more than 700, including 415 stadium chairs behind home plate. The plans also include a roof for shade and protection. A new press box will serve staff and local media.

In a video announcing the donation, FPU Baseball Head Coach Oscar Hirschkorn said it is “life-changing” and “program-changing.”

“We’ve been blessed with something that changes our everyday lives here in the baseball program — and I believe it will have a ripple effect to the community at large,” Hirschkorn said.

According to an FPU news release Wednesday afternoon, “It is the Martin Family Foundation’s hope that the gift will transform student-athletes as they receive the Christian education and character development necessary to become productive citizens and Christian leaders of local communities.”

“The Martin Family Foundation and Mrs. Williams have been kind and generous partners who believe in the transformative power of Christian higher education,” Fresno Pacific President André Stephens, Ph.D., stated. “Their gift ensures that current and future students can experience the life-changing, holistic education that FPU offers inside and outside the classroom. We are grateful for their Kingdom investment.”

A locker room for the Sunbird student-athletes highlights the third phase of the project. The 2,600-square-foot clubhouse will feature 40-plus lockers for the Sunbirds, including a common area, coach’s offices, laundry and team restroom and shower area.

Construction is estimated to begin following the 2023 baseball season. Fundraising for all three phases is still ongoing, with stadium seating sponsorships, locker sponsorships and business sponsorships available.

For more information about the project and the Winning by Design capital campaign, please visit fpuathletics.com/WinningByDesign.