West Campus & Temporary
Multipurpose Ballpark Planning
[1/29/2024]
George Mason University Washington Freedom (MLC)
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Agenda
1. University Strategic Priorities
2. West Campus Development Planning
3. Mason Athletics
4. Washington Freedom Partnership
Objectives with Mason
5. Temporary Ballpark Planning &
Design
6. West Campus Development Benefits
Introductions
George Mason University
• Jackie Ferree, Senior Vice President of
Operations and Business Services
• Marvin Lewis, Assistant Vice President
and Director of Athletics
• Andrew Lieber, Senior Associate
Athletics Director
Washington Freedom
• Sanjay Govil,
• Owner, Washington Freedom
• Founder & Chairman, Infinite
• Founder & Chairman, Zyter
University Strategic Priorities
Why expand West Campus?
• Existing athletic and recreational facilities are
antiquated and/or obsolete
‒ Baseball, track and field, soccer, lacrosse,
sports performance, and sports medicine
facilities are needed
• Long-term need for faculty and staff housing
• Long-term need for additional retail to support
staff, faculty, and student needs
• Major opportunity for philanthropy
• Major opportunity for revenue generation
University Strategic Priorities
Process of Evaluation
• Mission – Is the project in alignment with our
fundamental values and ideals? Does it
ultimately support our students, faculty, and
staff?
• Leverage – Given that the campus is resource-
constrained, does the project have the
appropriate fiscal support not to burden the
University?
• Resource Generation – Is there a real
potential to generate continuous (permanent)
cash flow? This can help offset the future need
for tuition increases.
Mason Student
Experience
University Strategic Priorities
Research Partnerships DEI Faculty and Staff
Improve the student engagement
experience within the Mason
community.
Builda dynamic alumni
engagement strategy.
Modernize the student services
experience.
Grow Mason’s researchand
creative portfolios
Provide the support structures
needed to fuel growth.
Promote recognition of Mason’s
research, scholarship, and
creative enterprises.
Expand national and global
partnerships to broaden Mason’s
reach.
Expand community outreach
activities andprograms to drive
impact and add value in the
communities we serve.
Strengthen and build
relationships with partners to
support workforce demands and
drive economic growth.
Achieve and sustaina diverse and
inclusive population of students,
faculty, and staff.
Be a community resource that
can share knowledge and insight
on diversity, equity, and
inclusivity issues.
Refine Mason’s governance
structure, policies, and
accountabilitymeasures to
ensure diverse, equitable, and
inclusive practices.
Be a work culture and workplace
environment that attracts and
retains top talent.
Enable faculty and staff success
through effective modernization
of Mason’s technology, process,
and sustainable infrastructure.
Enhance the academic experience
for all learners to thrive
throughout their lives.
West Campus Development Planning
West Campus Development Planning
West Campus Development Planning
Preliminary findings:
West Campus Development Planning
Comprehensive Vision
A place that is…
Interconnected
• Modified road network building on existing alignments
• Campus drive serves as “spine” linking project back to core campus
• Walkable streets / paths provide layer of pedestrian & micro-mobility
Accessible
• Active edges invite community in to participate
• Signature gateway on Braddock Rd creates new “front door”
Distinctive
• Lively mixed-use environment anchored by unique athletic venues
• Shared street / plaza from the heart of the district
• Pocket parks & green spaces
Rooted
• Town Center reflects scale & character of core campus
• District celebrates many backgrounds reflective of the campus and
community
• Variety of residential offerings creates a place for all
V
I
S
I
O
N
TRANSFORMATIONAL
EXPERIENCES
✓ Graduate Student-Athletes
✓ Compete for Championships and/or Games
That Matter
✓ Develop “Pro Ready” Programming
and Learning Beyond the Classroom
✓ Serve the Local Community
CHAMPIONSHIP CULTURE
✓ Recruit/Hire/Retain Quality and Diverse
Coaches and Staff
✓ Develop Strategic Roadmap, Financial Model,
and Operational Plan
✓ Leverage Areas of Distinction and
Optimize Resources
✓ Celebrate “Wins” Aligned With Strategic Goals
and Core Values
TELL OUR STORY
✓ Develop and Implement Distinct Storytelling
and Messaging Strategy
✓ Advance University and Athletics Fundraising
Priorities
✓ Leverage Campus, Corporate, and Other
Community Partnerships
✓ Engage/Inspire Fairfax, Northern Virginia, and
DC Metro Residents
Intercollegiate Athletics
DEFINING SUCCESS
AT GEORGE MASON
Baseball Program History
• Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Conference
Champions in 1988, 1992; Atlantic 10 Conference
Champions in 2014, 2023
• Eight (8) NCAA appearances, most recently advancing
to the 2023 Winston-Salem Regional Final with wins
over Northeastern and Maryland
• 69 total players have signed professional contracts, 48
players selected in the MLB draft, and 5 players
currently playing in the MLB
• Shawn Camp, Head Coach, 11-season MLB pitcher, is a
graduate of Robinson Secondary School and George
Mason University
Baseball Facility History
• 1986 – Spuhler Field built as the first on-campus
baseball field
• 2001 - Facility was ranked 2
nd
in the nation in the Beam
Clay College Baseball Diamond of the Year Awards
• 2002 - Recognized as the Baseball Field of the Year by
the Sports Turf Managers Association
• 2016 – Dugouts were added
X Video Scoreboard
X Lights
Facilities Existing Conditions
Partnership Value for ICA and Mason
• Improved facility for our varsity baseball program, to
include batting/pitching cages, video board, lights, fan
amenities, etc.
• Enhanced scheduling, broadcasting, and fan engagement
opportunities
• Improved recruiting and overall student-athlete experience
• Collaboration opportunities in the areas of sports
performance (i.e., research and technology, marketing and
promotions, community engagement, etc.)
• Intercollegiate athletics and baseball program brand
exposure in new or expanded market(s)
Washington Freedom and Mason Partnership
• Partnering with Mason to further augment Mason’s West Campus objectives
• Washington Freedom investment and expertise to build a multipurpose ballpark
• Athletic Fields and existing supporting infrastructure for practices, sports medicine, and
strength & conditioning
• Outdoor venue could host additional community, civic, and other entertainment events
• Venue and playing field could be available for local youth through adult league competitions
(cricket and baseball) as well as competitive tournaments
• In addition, Infinite will bring further benefit to the community through:
• Exclusive tech recruitment program for Mason students
• Robust paid internship program with Mason Career Services Office
Major League Cricket and the Washington Freedom
Temporary Ballpark Planning & Design
Temporary Ballpark Planning & Design
Ballpark Potential Characteristics
• Fixed and bleacher seating plus lawn berm
seating
• VIP pavilions and hospitality spaces
• Covered batting/pitching cages
• International-caliber playing field convertible
between cricket and baseball
• Videoboard(s)
• Directed and focused LED field lighting
Proposed Project Timeline
Winter / Spring 2024 Break Ground
Begin Demolition
Rough Grading
Spring 2024 Playing Field / Ballpark Construction
Spring / Summer 2024 Cricket Configuration / Soft Launch
Spring 2025 Mason Baseball Competitions
Event Planning
Additional Planning Considerations
Mason Student
Experience
West Campus Development Benefits
Research Partnerships DEI Faculty and Staff
Improve the student engagement
experience within the Mason
community.
Builda dynamic alumni
engagement strategy.
Grow Mason’s researchand
creative portfolios
Promote recognition of Mason’s
research, scholarship, and
creative enterprises.
Expand national and global
partnerships to broaden Mason’s
reach.
Expand community outreach
activities andprograms to drive
impact and add value in the
communities we serve.
Strengthen and build
relationships with partners to
support workforce demands and
drive economic growth.
Achieve and sustaina diverse and
inclusive population of students,
faculty, and staff.
Be a community resource that
can share knowledge and insight
on diversity, equity, and
inclusivity issues.
Be a work culture and workplace
environment that attracts and
retains top talent.
