GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Gators baseball program has a new name for its home, as the University of Florida Board of Trustees approved the naming of the new Condron Family Ballpark on Friday afternoon.
The ballpark is being renamed in honor of former Gators pitcher Gary Condron, who has donated more money to Gator Boosters than any other single donor. The new signage will be officially unveiled during the pregame festivities at tonight’s home game vs. Tennessee, with Condron himself assuming ceremonial first pitch honors just before the 6:30 p.m. start time.
“Few Gators are as loyal and dedicated to the University of Florida as Gary,” Athletic Director Scott Stricklin said. “He credits much of his success to his time at UF, and in turn has been incredibly generous in giving back in support of his beloved Gators. That support, combined with Gary’s history as a former Gator baseball player, makes it a natural fit for the Condron Family name to forever adorn the home of Florida baseball.”
Condron, a 1976 Florida graduate is the founder and CEO of The Conlan Company, has donated more than $30 million to Florida athletics and already has his name attached to the football team’s indoor practice facility, which opened in 2015.
“I can’t thank Gary and the entire Condron Family enough for all of their contributions to our program over the years,” Head Coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “Gary Condron’s passion and support for Florida baseball is second to none, and I can’t think of a better person for this honor. We’re thrilled to honor Gary and his family through the naming of our state-of-the-art facility, and I’m excited for all that lies ahead for this program inside of Condron Ballpark.”
“I could have never dreamed in my life that the Gators would be playing in a ballpark that has my name associated to it in any way, shape, or form,” Condron said. “It’s an honor. I couldn’t be more proud, and happy for my family and proud for the Gators.
And I’m really excited for my kids when they bring their kids to that stadium,’’ Condron said. “That’s what I’m most excited about.”
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