The IU South Bend women’s softball team has a new home field thanks to a partnership with the City of South Bend and the generosity of a local donor.
At the inaugural game, South Bend business and civic leader Richard Pfeil was recognized for his gift that funded improvements to the softball facility at Veterans Memorial Park. In recognition of the improvements to the park, the City of South Bend named the softball venue Pfeil Field. IU South Bend will lease the field from the South Bend Board of Venues, Parks and Arts at no cost.
“It was something that made sense,” said Pfeil. “Veterans Memorial Park adjoins the IU South Bend campus. Synergy is an overused word, however, in this case two parts joined together to truly multiply the result.”
Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jann Joseph presided over the ceremony before the opening game. “Partnerships like this are unique and should be celebrated,“ she said. “It took Dick’s generosity and love of South Bend city parks, it took willingness and flexibility by South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Executive Director of Venues, Parks and Arts Aaron Perri, and it took support by the University Advancement team at IU South Bend to bring all the pieces together.”
The Titans defeated Ancilla College in the first game at Pfeil Field.
