Missouri Southern’s baseball team has had a memorable year, featuring the opening of a new field, the seventh no-hitter in school history and a top 15 national ranking.

The Lions will add to that list of events this weekend when they hold a dedication ceremony for the new field.

“We will begin at 12:30 p.m. outside of the stadium with a donor wall unveiling,” said Justin Maskus, athletics media relations director. “Then we will proceed to the field with a ribbon cutting and some ceremonial first pitches, and then the field name will be revealed.”

Upon completion of the pregame festivities, the team will play Lincoln University, scheduled to start at 1 p.m. While the festivities are exciting for fans, the team and the athletics department alike, it’s something a coach has to keep in mind when it comes to the team’s focus.

“From the player’s perspective, the game is most important thing that day,” said head coach Bryce Darnell. “It is a big day for our baseball program and athletics department, no doubt, but we also have to focus on the game and minimize the distractions.”

The Lions will look to continue to climb the national rankings this weekend. As of April 15, the team was ranked 11th in the nation and sat atop the MIAA.