Cottrell Terrace opens at softball stadium

The University of North Georgia (UNG) Department of Athletics officially opened Cottrell Terrace on March 26 with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at Lynn Cottrell Park.

Mike and Lynn Cottrell were in attendance to cut the ribbon, flanked by head softball coach Mike Davenport and Dr. Mac McConnell, senior vice president for Business and Finance.

"We are beyond grateful for this gift provided by Lynn and Mike Cottrell," Davenport said. "With their support we have been able to continue to support our student-athletes, staff, and Nighthawk Nation with enhancements to our first-class facilities."

Fans and visitors can now enjoy a new 360-degree access around the field of play while the terrace project provides a natural setting for fans to bring sports chairs, blankets, or stand at the beverage shelf and enjoy some of the best NCAA Division II softball in the nation. 

UNG's softball program has won at least 70% of its games every season since 2008, including the 2015 national championship and five other appearances in the NCAA Division II championship. Now in his 22nd season as head coach, Davenport has 952 career victories at UNG.

The terrace project also includes new flagpoles in center field that fly the American flag in the center with the Georgia state flag and the interlocking NG flag on either side. 

In November 2019, Lynn Cottrell donated $1 million for digital scoreboards at the baseball, soccer and softball fields. The scoreboards display photos of players and their statistics during the lineup announcement and when players are at bat in baseball and softball. The scoreboards were installed and functional in February 2020.