(Sioux City, Iowa – July 29, 2025) The City of Sioux City, Briar Cliff University, and the Sioux City Fastpitch Softball Association are proud to announce that Historic Hubbard Park will officially become the permanent home of the Briar Cliff Chargers softball team. After hosting the team’s home games at the venue this past spring, this new agreement ensures that all future home contests will be played at this celebrated and revitalized Sioux City landmark.
"It is fantastic to see a partnership that has developed between these two organizations,” said Matt Salvatore, Sioux City Parks and Recreation Director. “The field at Hubbard has seen so many wonderful improvements over the recent years, this just adds to the continued success at that ballpark.”
“This partnership reflects Briar Cliff University's deep commitment to engaging with the Siouxland community and preserving its rich history,” said Dr. Matthew Draud, President of Briar Cliff University. “We’re proud that our Charger softball team will call one of Sioux City's most iconic landmarks home. It’s a win for our students, our fans, and the city.”
Hubbard Park has long been a cornerstone of fastpitch softball in the Siouxland area. Opened in 1928 as a city park and developed into a ball field in 1929, the stadium underwent major expansion in the late 1930s as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal program that employed millions during the Great Depression. During that time, the park was enhanced with concrete stadium seating, dugouts, a concession stand, lighting, and a natural turf field. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Hubbard Park served as a premier venue for men’s fastpitch softball, drawing large crowds and national talent.
In recent years, the park fell into disrepair. However, a passionate community effort led to a remarkable restoration. In 2023, fastpitch legends returned to the field to celebrate the park's revitalization. Restoration efforts included installing air conditioning in the press box, restoring the concession stand, clearing weeds from the stands, fresh paint and structural repairs, new lighting, and the addition of a scoreboard. That same year, Hubbard Park was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its place in both local and national sports history.
“We are thrilled to solidify our partnership with Hubbard Park,” said Tim Jager, Executive Athletic Director at Briar Cliff University. “This venue offers a unique and energetic atmosphere for our student-athletes, and we’re grateful to the City of Sioux City and the Fastpitch Softball Association for their collaboration. We look forward to welcoming visiting teams and showcasing Hubbard Park as a true point of pride in the Siouxland community.”
“We are thrilled to offer our student-athletes a top-tier field that matches the commitment and energy they bring to the game,” said TJ Eadus, Head Softball Coach at Briar Cliff University. “This project reflects our investment in the future of Charger softball and our continued mission to support excellence in athletics and academics.”
In addition to the Charger softball program, the park remains an active and cherished part of the city's athletic landscape. It has continued to host the annual Legends Game, which brings back top men’s fastpitch players from around the world. It also serves as a hub for youth baseball and softball programs throughout the region.
“We would have loved for our former board member, Delbert Christensen, to witness the park’s revival before his passing,” said Pete Sandman, President of the Sioux City Fastpitch Softball Association. “We know he’d be proud to see this partnership come to life, along with the continued Little League and club activities that keep this field vibrant.”
The Sioux City Fastpitch Softball Association and Briar Cliff University are committed to further enhancing Hubbard Park, not only for the benefit of Charger softball but for the generations of young athletes and families who gather to celebrate the game.