SAN JOSE, Calif. - San José State Athletics has cemented an ambitious vision for the future of Spartan Baseball through a comprehensive fundraising strategy that generated more than $5.5 million in support to complete the baseball stadium project at Excite Ballpark. This transformational achievement is part of an unprecedented period of fundraising momentum for Spartan Athletics, which has surpassed $19 million in philanthropic and community support since July 1, highlighted by the historic Gordon Family estate commitment benefiting women’s athletics and women’s golf and the Friends of Men’s Basketball commitment.
The initiative represents far more than a facility improvement. It demonstrates the power of building relationships, developing a compelling vision for donors, and creating strategic partnerships that bring together San José State University, Spartan Athletics, alumni and supporters, the San José Giants, Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), and the greater San José community.
The fundraising effort centered on a simple yet powerful message: San José State Baseball deserves a championship-caliber home capable of fundamentally enhancing the student-athlete experience and positioning the program for sustained success.
That vision resonated.
“Transformational projects begin with a clear vision, but they become reality through the belief and generosity of our supporters,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Konya. “This investment in Spartan Baseball reflects the strength of our community and our shared commitment to providing San José State student-athletes with the resources, facilities, and competitive environment they deserve. We are grateful to every donor and partner who helped make this project possible.”
Through targeted donor cultivation, major-gift conversations, leadership engagement, and a coordinated advancement strategy, Spartan Athletics secured more than $5.5 million toward the project. Philanthropic investment helped unlock a game-changing partnership with the San José Giants and DBH to execute the renovation of historic Excite Ballpark and the long-term future of baseball in San José.
Senior Deputy Director of Athletics Scott MacDonald emphasized the collaborative effort behind the fundraising success.
“This project is a powerful example of what can happen when philanthropy, strategic partnership and institutional vision come together,” said MacDonald. “Our donors understood that they were not simply supporting a facility but they were investing in the daily experience, development and future success of Spartan Baseball student-athletes. Their generosity, combined with the partnership of the San José Giants, allowed us to create a lasting home for the program and strengthen our connection with the broader San José community.”
Head baseball coach Brad Sanfilippo highlighted the direct impact on Spartan student-athletes and the future of the program.
“We are incredibly grateful to the donors and partners who believed in our program and helped create a foundation for sustained success,” said Sanfilippo. “Our student-athletes will have the resources, facilities, and home environment necessary to compete at the highest level while representing this university and our community.”
The infusion of funding will provide Spartan Baseball with a long-term home designed to become one of the premier baseball environments in the Mountain West. The project includes a dedicated San José State clubhouse and coaches’ offices, designed specifically for the Spartan program, along with access to a state-of-the-art weight room and indoor and outdoor hitting and pitching tunnels. The partnership also provides San José State full access to the upgraded stadium for practices and home games while positioning the program to host future Mountain West tournaments.
The project also provides an opportunity to celebrate the history of Spartan Baseball by naming the field in honor of legendary head coach Sam Piraro, who led San José State to its historic 2000 College World Series appearance, connecting the program’s proud past with an ambitious vision for its future.
A Fundraising Strategy Built Around Vision and Partnership
Raising more than $5.5 million required more than asking supporters to fund a construction project. The campaign focused on demonstrating the long-term impact of investment — on recruiting, competitive success, student-athlete development, fan engagement, and the visibility of San José State Athletics throughout Silicon Valley.
Donors were invited to become partners in building something transformational.
The fundraising strategy combined major-gift cultivation, philanthropic leadership, naming opportunities, alumni engagement, and strategic community partnerships to create momentum around the project. Rather than viewing the facility as solely an Athletics initiative, the project was positioned as an investment in San José State, Spartan student-athletes, and the broader baseball community.
That approach was strengthened through collaboration with the San José Giants and Diamond Baseball Holdings. The Giants and DBH reached a long-term agreement with the City of San José to remain at Excite Ballpark through 2050 and jointly invest in improvements to the stadium. San José State’s additional investment expanded that vision by creating facilities and opportunities specifically benefiting Spartan student-athletes and fans.
The collaboration also provides an innovative model for collegiate athletics: leveraging philanthropy and community partnerships to create a first-class Division I facility while maximizing resources and generating benefits well beyond the university.
Transforming the Student-Athlete Experience
For Spartan Baseball student-athletes, the impact will be significant.
A dedicated clubhouse, coaches’ offices, modern strength and conditioning resources, and advanced hitting and pitching facilities will provide the infrastructure necessary to recruit, develop, and retain championship-caliber student-athletes.
The upgraded Excite Ballpark will simultaneously enhance the game-day experience for Spartan fans and strengthen the connection between San José State Baseball and the surrounding community. The venue, first opened in 1942, has welcomed more than eight million fans and will continue serving both San José State and the San José Giants while becoming an even greater year-round baseball destination.
The investment builds upon a Spartan baseball tradition, highlighted by multiple NCAA Regional appearances, the 2000 College World Series, the 2023 Mountain West Championship, and four consecutive appearances in the Mountain West Championship game (2022-25).
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