Level 10 Construction Completes State-of-the-Art Softball Facility at University of San Diego

Early completion and innovative design highlight $14.5 million softball complex project

Level 10 Construction has successfully completed the new Reggie Smith Softball Facility & Field at the University of San Diego, delivering the project two days ahead of schedule. The $14.5 million facility marks a significant upgrade for the university’s softball program and represents the latest collaboration between Level 10 and the University of San Diego.

The new complex, officially named the Reggie Smith Softball Complex, replaces the existing USD Softball Complex and has transformed the university’s softball facilities. The stadium now accommodates 384 spectators in chair-back seating, with infrastructure in place to expand to 500 seats when hosting NCAA Regional and Super Regional tournaments.

Players benefit from newly constructed sunken dugouts and modern bullpens, while media operations are supported by a state-of-the-art press box with enhanced broadcast capabilities. The playing surface features a cutting-edge Dura Edge Collegiate infield paired with artificial turf in the outfield, complemented by the distinctive “USD Green wall” in right field.

Adjacent to the field, the project includes a comprehensive 4,500-square-foot team building housing locker rooms, training facilities, and office spaces, along with fan amenities such as concession areas and restrooms.

“It was a walk-off grand slam from Level 10, helping to make this thing happen,” said USD Head Softball Coach MJ Knighten, as reported in project completion documentation. “I’m really appreciative of them. They listened to us and made sure everything was perfect when we moved in.”

Behind the successful completion of the Reggie Smith Softball Complex stands an integrated team of design and construction specialists, with Level 10 Construction serving as the general contractor and project lead.

Crawford Architects brought their sports facility expertise to the project as lead architect, working alongside Walter P Moore, who provided structural engineering services. The complex steel installation was handled by NorthWest Steel Erection, with additional engineering support from Richard Barrios Consulting Engineers and Design4Structures.

A notable innovation in the stadium’s construction was the implementation of the SPS Stadia+Arenas System, provided by SPS Technology. According to project documentation, the team incorporated 2,686 square feet (250 square meters) of this specialized stadia decking.

“SPS is fast becoming the stadia decking of choice in California,” notes SPS Technology on its website documenting the project. “SPS’ seismic resilience means it can withstand earthquakes, the weather and the most demanding fans.”

The system represents a departure from conventional aluminum bleachers, offering enhanced durability while enabling modular construction methodologies that accelerated the on-site assembly process.

The Reggie Smith Softball Complex progressed from groundbreaking to competition-ready in less than a year, with Level 10 Construction delivering the completed facility ahead of the contracted timeline.

The project officially began on May 14, 2024, with a ceremonial groundbreaking attended by university officials, athletics staff, and community members. According to university communications, initial site preparation and construction commenced immediately afterward, with work progressing through the summer months of 2024.

By late March 2025, the facility had reached substantial completion, with the university hosting an official unveiling ceremony on March 27. The Toreros softball team wasted no time inaugurating their new home field, hosting Santa Clara University for a doubleheader on April 5, 2025 – the first official games played at the complex.

Level 10 Construction continued addressing final punch-list items through early May, ultimately delivering the fully completed project two days ahead of the contractual deadline – a notable achievement for a complex sports facility with specialized requirements.

The accelerated timeline required careful coordination between contractors, particularly during the installation of the specialized playing surface, which incorporates both the Dura Edge Collegiate infield system and artificial turf outfield. The efficient project execution allowed USD’s softball program to begin utilizing the facility for the closing portion of their 2025 season.

The $14.5 million project was made possible in part by a lead gift from an anonymous donor. The naming rights for the complex were chosen to honor Reggie Smith, a longtime campus icon and Linda Vista resident known for his significant impact on the university and the surrounding community.

“The way Reggie has impacted the Linda Vista community and the San Diego community as a whole will live on for generations and generations,” said San Diego Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Kimya Massey during the facility’s unveiling ceremony on March 27, according to the University of San Diego news release.

The new facility is expected to enhance USD’s recruiting capabilities and create a true home advantage for the softball team. The team building’s “hype room” serves as an entry/exit tunnel for players, designed to energize them before taking the field.

“The facility is going to be a game-changer from recruiting to overall San Diego softball pride,” Coach Knighten stated in the university’s May 2024 groundbreaking announcement. “The current roster and the future athletes will be able to call home to something special. This facility will allow us to build more outreach in the softball community, in addition to allowing alumni to come see the hard work they put into making this happen.”