Gophers Break Ground on the New Siebert Field [VIDEO]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Gophers baseball team has broken ground on a new stadium.

Coach John Anderson spearheaded fundraising for the $7.134 million project, which began Monday with a ceremony at Siebert Field. The ballpark has been slated for replacement on the same site at the north edge of campus.

The first phase of the project was approved by the Board of Regents last week. Construction of the 1,400-seat, privately funded facility will start on June 18, with completion set for December. The playing surface will be artificial turf, with potential for seating expansion, a locker room and training facility to be added in the future.

The Gophers have used the downtown Metrodome as their primary home stadium in recent years due to the deterioration of Siebert Field.