MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | The Georgia College & State University Department of Athletics has received a transformational $2 million gift from E.R. Snell to support the renovation of the Bobcat baseball stadium, marking a major step forward in elevating the program's future.

The lead contribution — the largest in Georgia College Athletics history — comes from E.R. Snell, a fifth-generation, family-owned and operated leader in Georgia's asphalt and road construction industry. With strong ties to former Bobcat standout Chandler Snell, the company is supporting a comprehensive reimagining of the facility — enhancing the experience for student-athletes, recruits, fans, and families alike.

"This is a game changer for our program," said GCSU head baseball coach Jeff Pelkey. "When you talk about competing at the highest level in the Peach Belt Conference and nationally, facilities matter.

"This project is going to impact everything — from how we develop our players to how we host recruits and welcome our fans," said Pelkey. "It shows that people believe in what we're building here."

The renovation will feature a new multipurpose presidential suite, expanded fan engagement areas, and modernized amenities designed to create a first-class environment at E.R. Snell Family Stadium at John Kurtz Field. The project represents the first ground-up athletics facility construction at GCSU since the soccer complex was built in 2003 — a milestone moment for Bobcat athletics.

For Chandler Snell, the investment represents both a celebration of the past and a commitment to the future. A key contributor to the Bobcats' 2010 Peach Belt Championship and NCAA Division II Southeast Regional title, Snell earned All-PBC second team honors as a shortstop and remains closely connected to the program.

"This place means a lot to our family," Robin Snell shared. "We've seen firsthand what Georgia College baseball can do for young men — not just on the field, but in life. This project is about giving future generations that same opportunity, but at an even higher level."

Current student-athletes are already looking ahead to what the transformation will bring.

"It's going to change everything about how we experience game day," said pitcher Keaton Prior. "From the energy in the stands to the way recruits see our program, it's going to raise the standard across the board. When you step onto a field like that, you feel it — it makes you want to compete at an even higher level."

Beyond the tangible upgrades, the project is designed to strengthen the connection between the program and its community — creating a welcoming, high-energy environment for alumni, parents, and fans.

"The vision is to make Kurtz Field a destination," added Pelkey. "A place where families want to spend the day, where alumni feel proud to come back, and where recruits immediately understand what it means to be a Bobcat."

Return of Champions: Baseball & Softball

GCSU is proud to welcome Bobcat alumni and their families back to campus for Return of Champions, a special Alumni Day celebrating some of the most accomplished teams in GCSU history this Saturday (April 18).

This year we will honor our softball NCAA Division II Softball Championship teams from 2003 and 2006, along with our baseball teams from 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. The day will highlight the lasting legacy of these programs and the student-athletes who helped build Bobcat excellence.

All baseball and softball alumni and their families are invited to enjoy free admission to both softball and baseball games, as well as a complimentary BBQ buffet at the pavilion. To help us plan accordingly, we kindly ask that all attendees preregister for themselves and their guests.

Get Involved

If you are interested in supporting the continued growth of GCSU athletics and making a lasting impact on Bobcat student-athletes, please contact:

Hampton Pelton
Assistant Director of Athletic Partnerships
hampton.pelton@gcsu.edu
(478) 251-6833

About GCSU Athletics 
Owning the top Academic Success Rate among all public colleges and universities in Division II for five consecutive academic years, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 11 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GCSU Athletics has won six consecutive Presidents' Awards for Academic Excellence, and are two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup and four-time winners of the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in postseason competition as well as high-level academic success and community-service involvement. Bobcat Athletics embodies the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life." Sign up at @GCSUBobcats on all social media outlets for up-to-the-minute reports or subscribe to the GSCU Athletics e-newsletter to receive the latest news, schedule updates and to interact with GCSU Athletics.