The Harwell Field Project, a tribute to legendary Detroit Tigers sportscaster Ernie Harwell and his wife, Lula ("Lulu"), will soon become a reality on Wayne State University's athletic campus. The Board of Governors has approved funds to construct the Harwell Field Baseball Building. Funding for the project will be provided from funds raised by the athletic department.

The project, which was launched in 2013 by Wayne State's Department of Athletics in conjunction with the Ernie Harwell Foundation, includes a building that will provide space to recognize the achievements and contributions of the Harwells. A 2,600-square-foot meeting space and offices will also showcase major league baseball artifacts and memorabilia collected by the Detroit Historical Society and the Harwell Foundation.

The design of the building, which will be located behind the current backstop, will permit future project efforts to create spectator grandstands and a press box.

"The Harwell Field project, when completed, will be a destination and an added attraction to visit our campus," said Rob Fournier, Wayne State University director of athletics.  "The association with the legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster adds another positive reference for the university and the athletic campus.  It has both a practical benefit - with office space, restrooms, press box and general seating - and elevates a partnership that adds to our strategic mission."

The Wayne State University Baseball Field already has a visible connection to baseball's rich history. In 2003, a replica of Fenway Park's outfield fence was installed, matching the original in Boston - including a 37.5 foot-high "Green Monster," outfield configuration and right field foul pole. All enhancements were privately funded.

Through an arrangement with the Detroit Historical Society, the left field scoreboard from the former Tiger Stadium was made functional and is attached to the base of the left field wall. The WSU Baseball Field has also been the host site for Major League Baseball events and the summer WSU/Tigers Baseball Camp.