JMU UNVIELS BASEBALL?S EAGLE FIELD AT VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

HARRISONBURG, Va., April 8, 2010 - As part of its grand opening celebration for the Veterans Memorial Park softball and baseball complex, James Madison announced the naming of the baseball field as Eagle Field during an official ribbon-cutting ceremony prior to Saturday's game against William and Mary.

Eagle Field is named in recognition of the generous support from Rodney and Sylvia Eagle, longtime residents of the City of Harrisonburg. Mr. Eagle is the former three-term Mayor of Harrisonburg. Rodney and Sylvia Eagle each attended Harrisonburg High School on the current Memorial Hall site while Sylvia is a graduate of Madison College, what is now James Madison University.

Mr. and Mrs. Eagle have been active members of the community in both business and civic activities. Rodney Eagle owns Eagle Carpet, Inc. and has been a leader in the business community. Veterans Memorial Park holds special significance to the United States Marine Corps veteran, who is also an active member of local organizations, including the American Legion, AMVETS, and the Veteran POW/MIA Riders.

The grand opening was part of a day-long celebration that featured ceremonies prior to both a softball doubleheader against Hofstra at noon and the 6:30 p.m. baseball game against William and Mary. The day also included JMU Fan Zone activities in between games with inflatable games, autograph sessions, student promotions, and concession stand special offerings.

Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park will host seven more games in the 2010 season with the series finale against W&M on Sunday at 2 p.m. along with series against UNC Wilmington April 16-18 and Delaware April 30 to May 2.