After years of anticipation and multiple delays, the University of Hawaii baseball program will receive a new playing surface at Les Murakami Stadium in 2025.
Rainbow Warriors Head Coach Rich Hill announced that the long-awaited turf replacement has been officially green-lit. The current 16-year-old surface will be replaced with an all-artificial turf, including the pitcher’s mound, set to begin in October with completion targeted for January. This upgrade will give the stadium a new look, featuring a darker infield and UH branding in centerfield.
“I’m a fan, you know? I’m a ten-year-old, a little kid, going to Candlestick or the Oakland Coliseum,” Hill reminisced. “I just remember, and I think your viewers do too, when you walk through the tunnel and see this beautiful green field, the dirt, the mound, and the chalk – it’s magical and mystical. It’s something about baseball.”
Hill added, “I remember that feeling of awe. When you walk into The Les, walk up those stairs, and immediately see this amazing playing surface – that’s very important to me. The fans of Hawaii deserve this. They deserve to have this jewel in Manoa that we can all enjoy.”
Construction at Les Murakami Stadium is scheduled to begin in October, following the conclusion of fall training camp. The Rainbow Warriors are anticipated to open the season on February 14th with a series against Marshall.
Additional renovations to the stadium, including a new batting cage and updates to premium seating, are still being finalized and do not yet have a definitive timeline.Stay with KHON-2 Sports, on-air and online, for continuing coverage.