MIAMI – FIU Athletics announced Wednesday that the Panthers' softball stadium has been officially renamed Felsberg Field at Baptist Health Stadium, a move that reflects the growing, long‑term partnership between two of South Florida's most influential organizations.
 
A ceremonial ribbon cutting unveiling the rebranded stadium will take place before FIU's season opener as part of the Felsberg Invitational on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m. versus Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Representatives from both Baptist Health and FIU will be on hand to commemorate the name change from FIU Softball Stadium – which the facility had been known by since it opened in 1998.
 
"We are extremely excited to continue strengthening our partnership with Baptist Health as the naming rights sponsor of our softball stadium," said FIU Director of Athletics Scott Carr. "FIU and Baptist Health are deeply woven into the fabric of South Florida. Together, we're creating opportunities for our student‑athletes, supporting their health and performance and building toward even greater success on and off the field. It was also important for us to ensure that the legacy of former student-athlete Michael Felsberg carried over to this new stadium name by keeping his memory in place with the field name."
 
The new name represents more than a facility update. It symbolizes a shared commitment by FIU and Baptist Health to elevate the well‑being, opportunity and quality of life for South Floridians. Both organizations serve as pillars in the region – FIU as a top public research university educating tens of thousands of students each year, and Baptist Health as the area's largest not‑for‑profit healthcare system dedicated to providing world‑class care to the community.
 
Baptist Health's expanded presence within FIU Athletics includes comprehensive sports medicine services, performance support and community health initiatives that benefit not only student‑athletes but also the broader South Florida population. The naming of Felsberg Field at Baptist Health Stadium stands as the newest example of how the partnership is creating a tangible, lasting impact.
 
"Baptist Health is proud to celebrate the opening of Felsberg Field at Baptist Health Stadium, a milestone that reflects our deep commitment to community, teamwork and academics," said Lourdes Boue, CEO of Baptist Health Doctors Hospital. "Supporting the health and well-being of our community – on and off the field – is central to who we are. This partnership allows us to extend our mission beyond our walls by championing students and athletes, honoring a tradition of excellence and creating a space where dedication and resilience can thrive."
 
The newly minted Felsberg Field at Baptist Health Stadium features recent upgrades and expansiosn to both the home and visiting team dugouts and home plate areas, along with new windscreens and signage to reflect Baptist Health's official status as the facility's naming rights sponsor.
 
Additionally, the partnership between Baptist Health and FIU extends beyond just athletics as Baptist Health and FIU's Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine have a strategic, academic and clinical partnership to enhance patient care, medical education and research in South Florida. This collaboration includes managing the FIU Health Faculty Group Practice under the Baptist Health Medical Group, providing clinical rotations and supporting medical residencies.
 
The stadium renaming also preserves and honors the legacy of Michael Felsberg, a former FIU track and field and cross country student-athlete who graduated in 2003 with a 3.94 GPA and degree in criminal justice. An all-conference performer and commissioner's list honoree for his academic success, Felsberg also won FIU Athletics' spirit award three times as a result of his enthusiastic support of fellow student-athletes.
 
Felsberg tragically died at the age of 27 in 2004 following a rocket-propelled grenade attack while serving as a Marine in Iraq. He was honored with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service to the country, and the playing surface at FIU's softball stadium was named Felsberg Field in 2014.

ABOUT BAPTIST HEALTH
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 29,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and The Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.  A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News and World Report. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

ABOUT FIU ATHLETICS
Pro Bowl wide receiver T.Y. Hilton caught touchdowns here. Olympic gold medalist Tayna Lawrence sprinted here. Major League All Star and World Series champion Mike Lowell swung for the fences here. Here, under the South Florida sun, is where more than 400 student-athletes compete in 17 Division-I sports as proud members of Conference USA and affiliate members of the American Conference in men's soccer and swimming and diving. FIU Athletics has produced nearly 120 All-Americans, 50 NCAA Tournament appearances and record-setting academic performances at a Top 50 preeminent public research university with more than 55,000 students.
 
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