SAN JOSE, Calif. – In a historic collaboration aimed at enhancing the local sports landscape, San José State announced today that, in partnership with the San Jose Giants and their ownership group Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), the University is adding its support to the renovation of Excite Ballpark to provide a world-class venue for the Spartans baseball team.
Last month, the Giants and DBH announced an agreement with the San Jose City Council to keep the Giants at Excite Ballpark through 2050 and jointly fund ballpark improvements. This additional investment by San José State University will support the student-athlete and Spartans fan experience while further elevating the game of baseball for the South Bay community.
Key Highlights for San José State University:
Provide a long-term home for SJSU Spartans Baseball at what will be the best facility in the Mountain West, with opportunities to host future Mountain West Championships. In addition:
- Full access for practices and home games in the upgraded stadium, ensuring the Spartans have a premier venue to compete at the highest level.
- A new dedicated clubhouse with coaches’ offices, built exclusively for San José State Baseball, featuring custom design input from the University.
- Access to the state-of-the-art weight room, as well as indoor and outdoor hitting and pitching tunnels for athlete development.
- The opportunity for the field to be named after legendary San José State Baseball Coach Sam Piraro, who led the team to the 2000 College World Series. This partnership is set to etch Coach Piraro’s name into the SJSU Baseball legacy, proudly displayed on the San José Giants’ field for generations to come.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone for San José State Baseball," said Jeff Konya, Director of Athletics at San José State University. "By joining forces with the San José Giants, we are providing our student-athletes with an exceptional playing environment while also enhancing the fan experience for all of our supporters. This is a win-win for the entire community and a testament to the growing baseball culture in San Jose.”
"As a San Jose native, I am thrilled to further our collaboration with San José State to reach this landmark agreement that ensures Excite Ballpark serves as a hub for baseball of all levels in this region for decades to come," said Ben Taylor, President of the San José Giants. "I could not be more excited for this next chapter in the shared history of San Jose State and the San Jose Giants."
San José State’s clubhouse renovations will feature a host of eco-friendly design elements, including sustainable building materials and energy-efficient systems. Upgrades will also include enhanced fan amenities and family-friendly areas, making it the ultimate destination for baseball lovers of all ages.
Renovations are already underway at Excite Ballpark, with an anticipated opening for San José State’s new clubhouse in April 2027. Excite Ballpark will continue to be the home field for San José State Baseball and the San José Giants, as well as serving as a venue that the San José community can enjoy year-round.
About the San José State Spartans Baseball Team
The San José State Spartans baseball team represents San José State University in NCAA Division I college baseball as a member of the Mountain West Conference. With a strong tradition dating back to 1890, the Spartans have built a respected program that has produced numerous professional players and competed in multiple NCAA Regionals, including a College World Series appearance in 2000, plus a Mountain West Championship in 2023, and three-straight trips to the Mountain West Championship game. The team plays its home games at Excite Ballpark in downtown San José, a historic venue shared with Minor League Baseball’s San José Giants.
About the San José Giants
The San Jose Giants are a Class A professional baseball team and have been an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants since 1988. San Jose has won seven California League Championships as a Giants affiliate and twelve overall. The San Jose Giants have graduated 243 Major League players, 177 of whom have played or currently play for the San Francisco Giants. Excite Ballpark, the home of the San Jose Giants, first opened in 1942 and has seen over eight million fans enter through its gates.
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