An artist's rendering shows what Valley Children's Stadium would look like with improvements under the Elevate campaign. Fresno State image

Fresno State officials unveiled on Tuesday a $250 million master plan that would upgrade not only Valley Children’s Stadium but other athletic facilities.

Called the “Elevate” campaign, the initiative would be possible through private support and “several innovative sources of funding” to benefit all 18 of Fresno State’s sports programs, according to a news release.

The plan includes major renovations to Valley Children’s Stadium, including a new press box and premium club tower, improved accessibility, new premium seating and social gathering spaces, renovated suites, new video boards and more.

 

Other enhancements include a new clubhouse for the baseball program, expansion of the Ricchiuti Strength and Conditioning Center, new team offices and a sports performance center inside the Save Mart Center for the basketball programs, a new soccer and track and field stadium at Warmerdam Field and a new covered arena for the equestrian program, according to the release.

Other improvements would benefit the tennis, softball and volleyball programs.

 

The plan divides the athletics facilities into “districts,” which include the Stadium District, Cedar District (tennis, softball, aquatics) and the Save Mart Center & Student Horse Center Area District.

University officials plan to launch “significant fundraising efforts” to move the Elevate plan forward, with construction taking place in phases as approval and funding is secured.

 

“The extent of our facilities upgrades is dependent upon securing the necessary funding,” Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval said in a statement. “This type of investment in Fresno State’s future opens the doors to limitless opportunities for the university, on and off the court, as well as our entire region.”

“The time is now,” Jiménez-Sandoval said. “For over a century, Fresno State athletics has rallied the Valley, uniting people from all walks of life behind a common cause and generating excitement about our university. Just as our winning teams fuel passion and pride in our fan base, they also fuel interest in future students near and far, giving them a pathway to become familiar with the university. In addition, our teams are the gateway to national and international brand recognition.”

Fresno State has faced challenges in generating the money needed for improving its facilities. Measure E, a 1/5 cent sales tax on the November 2022 ballot, was defeated by Fresno County voters. It would have generated an estimated $36 million a year for Fresno State, including improvements for the stadium.