Playing Surface
AstroTurf GameDay Grass, a modern artificial surface which closely resmebles real grass, was laid down during the summer of 2009. The Shockers held fall practice on the new turf in preparation for the 2010 season.
Through the 2009 season, the infield consisted of field turf with dirt pockets surrounding each base, the pitchers mound, and home plate. The grass was real and stayed constantly green and long. Eck was known for its long outfield grass as batters struggled to get doubles, with the grass slowing down balls hit in the right or left field gaps.
The dimensions are 335 feet down both left and right field lines and 390 to center. Winds often blow from right field to left aiding right-handed batters trying to hit home runs.
Both bullpens are located down the foul lines on the respective 1st and 3rd baselines. Wichita State uses the first base dugout as their own for home games, unless hosting a NCAA regional or the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, where rules would regulate otherwise. The third base lines bullpen also contains batting cages WSU uses for practice.
Read more about this topic: Eck Stadium
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