City and Aurora University reach agreement to bring Spartan baseball back to Aurora
Solfisburg Park to be the team's new permanent home
AURORA, Ill. -- Today, Aurora Mayor Thomas J. Weisner and Aurora University President Dr. Rebecca L. Sherrick announced plans to bring the Aurora University baseball team, the Spartans, back to the city of Aurora beginning next spring. The tentative agreement, which must be passed by the Aurora City Council and approved by Aurora University's Board of Trustees, calls for Aurora University to improve Solfisburg Park to accommodate NCAA league games. The city will be responsible for additional minor park upgrades and the on-going maintenance of the new facility.

“We are excited about the growth of Aurora University,” remarked Mayor Weisner, “however, we were sad to see Spartan baseball leave our city three seasons ago.”

“For years, students and Aurora residents enjoyed watching our hometown team each spring. We felt it was important to bring Spartan baseball back home again,” Weisner added. “Working together, we have developed a solution that will benefit the players, students and community. Today is a proud day for the city of Aurora and all Spartans.”

“We are proud to partner with the City of Aurora to provide a new home for the university's award-winning baseball team,” said President Sherrick. “Solfisburg Field, with its new amenities, will provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to practice and play competitively on a field that will enhance their academic experience at Aurora University.”

Under the three-year renewable agreement, Aurora University will invest nearly $60,000 in capital upgrades to improve Joe Bernard Field, including: the expansion of dugouts and outfield fences, the installation of windscreens and foul poles, and new Spartan signage. In return, the Spartans will have full use of the park for their home games each year. Aurora University will also use the field for practice and as a recruiting tool.

The City of Aurora spent nearly $1 million upgrading Solfisburg Park, including the baseball field, in 2006 utilizing a $375,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Seventh Ward Alderman Scheketa Hart-Burns contributed another $100,000 to the upgrade through ward funds. The city's Parks and Recreation Department is coordinating the park upgrades and will invest $5,000 in an additional dugout and roadside directional signage, as well as handling on-going park maintenance. City youth, high school and adult leagues will also benefit from the improved facilities. The city does not anticipate that the Spartan baseball schedule will interfere with summer league or high school play.

The Spartan baseball team lost their home field three years ago to make way for the university's campus expansion. Since that time, the team has played at several different locations, most recently at Oswego High School. The new location, near the interchange at I-88 and Farnsworth, provides incoming NCAA teams easy access to Solfisburg Park, as well as Aurora shopping and dining opportunities.

Over the past two decades, the Aurora University Spartans have had an impressive record, including six trips to NCAA Division III championships.

The City of Aurora's Building and Ground's Committee is expected to consider the agreement at their meeting tonight, Monday, December 10, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora, Illinois.

Courtesy of Aurora University, Sports Information Department, December 10, 2007.