The Rice Owls’ 1997 and 1998 trips to the College World Series generated the need for a state-of-the-art ballpark to boost recruiting, attract NCAA tournaments, and accommodate growing interest. Responding to the tradition of Rice University’s brick and stone Romanesque and Byzantine revival architectural styles, these materials along with blue and white-glazed brick were used in functional and decorative ways to create interesting visual effects. The stadium shades many seats and features concessions, restrooms, a gift shop, and other areas under vaulted concourses. It houses offices, a trainer’s room, locker rooms, press and luxury boxes, hospitality areas, weight training room, and hitting and pitching areas. The stadium seats 5,000.
