Located on beautiful Lake Mendota, the Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Softball Complex offers the University of Wisconsin softball program state-of-the-art amenities. From the indoor practice facility to the newly resurfaced playing field, the Badgers are happy to call Goodman Softball Complex home.
The complex, located at 2415 University Bay Dr., is an extensive redesign of the previous softball field. Groundbreaking took place on June 25, 1998, and the Badgers opened the facility with a 9-1 victory over Loyola on March 30, 1999. The field and grandstands -- with a capacity of approximately 1,600 -- are positioned just north of Nielsen Tennis Stadium and share the parking areas in that proximity. Spectators have the view overlooking University Bay and Picnic Point. The facility meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Goodman brothers, longtime area softball players, businessmen and UW donors, provided the lead gift of $500,000. Named for the Madison jewelers, the original renovation project cost more than $1.2 million and has been affectionately dubbed, "Goodman Diamond."
2002 marked the first year under the lights for the Badgers. The lighting system was made possible by Bob Goodman, one of the original donors who made the field possible.
In 2011, the Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman family foundation pledged $1.8 million to initiate the Goodman Softball Training Center project, which was a positive start toward the total project cost of $3 million.
The diamond received a complete resurfacing during the summer of 2012 with a new infield and outfield surface being installed. The infield was resurfaced with Hilltopper Infield Mix, natural soil enhanced with polymer that provides excellent drainage and coverage, while the outfield was leveled and tiled.
In 2013 the Goodman Softball Training Center was completed. In the 16,500 square foot indoor facility the Badgers have access to a regulation sized infield, batting cages, team conference room and lounge. In addition, the team locker room and athletic training areas underwent extensive renovations.
Enhancements were made to Goodman Diamond for the 2017 season thanks to a $600,000 gift from the Goodman family foundation, highlighted by the addition of a high-definition video board to elevate the game day atmosphere for the Wisconsin Softball team by providing fans with highlight videos. Fans are further immersed in the game with the addition of player headshots and various stat displays.
