MACOMB, Ill. - Mary Ellen McKee Softball Stadium under went renovations this fall and will have a new look for the 2009 Westerwinds season.

One of the major renovations was removing the old netting and replacing it with new, sturdier netting that is supported by new steel poles. The new netting will protect the fans and the press box from foul balls and pop-ups.

Another renovation was the addition of a concrete back-stop behind home plate. Purple padding was put on the concrete backstop to prevent injuries during play and to enhance the look of the softball stadium.

A water-drainage system was also added under a portion of the softball field to improve water runoff during rainy weather conditions. Since grass had to be removed to add the drainage, new grass has been placed behind home plate and along the baselines.

The Westerwinds will only have to wait a few more months before playing in the renovated facility with the first home game scheduled to be played on Friday, March 20 at 3 p.m against Oakland.