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Gophers Raise Funds, Hope For A New Field

By John Lauritsen, WCCO-TV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Gophers baseball team played at Target Field Friday, but is trying to raise enough money for a new field of their own.

Team officials said Siebert Field at the University of Minnesota is more than 40 years old and needs many upgrades.

Since the Metrodome's roof collapse, the baseball team has had a season of road trips, spending a lot of time in California.

"We have spent more time in other time zones than in the central time zone, 11 days since we started February 17," coach John Anderson said. "Your internal clock gets messed up."

Since they can't play at the Metrodome, the Gophers played eight fewer games than Purdue going into Friday's game. However, it's not just the Metrodome that needs fixing.

"The facility on campus is 41 years old. It's served its purpose and it's in very, very bad shape," Anderson said.

So far the Gophers have raised $5 million out of the $7.5 million needed for a new artificial surface and other amenities at Siebert Field. The money has mostly come through fundraising efforts and donations by alumni. Their spring schedule in coming years could depend on the future of football in Minnesota- and at the Metrodome.

"As people develop a new Vikings Stadium, I hope they keep their ear to the ground and think of a multi-use facility that college baseball teams can use as well," Anderson said.

Anderson said the Metrodome has been essential for the Gopher baseball team from February until April.

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