Murray State University Athletics
The home of Racers softball was officially renamed from Racer Field to Owens Family Field in honor of Leon Owens and the entire Owens family for their leadership and generosity in helping transform the future of Racers Athletics.
The renaming comes after renovations were announced for the facility, including the Sandra Hartmann Press Box, named in honor of Hartmann, whose generous $500,000 cash gift made the project possible. The new ground-level press box will feature a main media area and additional auxiliary space, while fixed grandstands will provide an improved vantage point for fans and help make Owens Family Field tournament-host ready. Additional investments into the softball program have included a new indoor hitting facility in Roy Stewart Stadium, updates to the weight room and training room, revenue share resources for student-athletes and more.
Racer softball played its inaugural 2010 season at Racer Softball Field at Murray-Calloway County Park while an on-campus facility was being built. Owens Family Field officially opened on March 15, 2014, under its original name, Racer Field, and is located between Roy Stewart Stadium and the Susan E. Bauernfeind Recreation and Wellness Center. The Racers hosted UT Martin in the first game at Racer Field, with Jessica Twaddle recording the first hit and Mason Robinson throwing the first pitch. Murray State earned its first win at the facility with a 7-2 victory over Belmont on March 23, 2014. Casey Castile hit the first Murray State home run at Racer Field against Eastern Illinois on March 30, 2014.
The deepest part of center field is 220 feet from home plate. The facility features a natural grass playing surface and top-of-the-line dirt surface, along with spacious dugouts with internet connectivity. Owens Family Field also includes a large scoreboard, wind screens and 250-seat bleachers and is surrounded by a white fence reminiscent of the horse farms throughout the Commonwealth.
The Racers also have a locker room in Roy Stewart Stadium featuring wooden lockers for each player and a team lounge area.
