From a article in an Oregon newspaper about Byrne. More State- Duck love.
Another connection to Starkville: Those barnstorming baseball program builders from Eugene -- athletic director Pat Kilkenny, senior associate athletic director Renee Baumgartner and director of community relations Joe Giansante -- visited Mississippi State a few months ago to tour its baseball facility.</p>
Dudy Noble Field is known for not only having the biggest crowds in college baseball but also the liveliest. Its Left Field Lounge is a tailgating haven (and a favorite spot of author John Grisham), where fans -- after making it through a long waiting list for parking passes -- bring their trucks, trailers, etc., pop their coolers and have running conversations with the outfielders.</p>
"What they are great at is creating this awesome fan environment," said Giansante, who visited about 20 ballparks to borrow inspiration for the Ducks' new facility scheduled to open in the spring of 2009.
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Another connection to Starkville: Those barnstorming baseball program builders from Eugene -- athletic director Pat Kilkenny, senior associate athletic director Renee Baumgartner and director of community relations Joe Giansante -- visited Mississippi State a few months ago to tour its baseball facility.</p>
Dudy Noble Field is known for not only having the biggest crowds in college baseball but also the liveliest. Its Left Field Lounge is a tailgating haven (and a favorite spot of author John Grisham), where fans -- after making it through a long waiting list for parking passes -- bring their trucks, trailers, etc., pop their coolers and have running conversations with the outfielders.</p>
"What they are great at is creating this awesome fan environment," said Giansante, who visited about 20 ballparks to borrow inspiration for the Ducks' new facility scheduled to open in the spring of 2009.
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