Excitement spread through Bulldog fans everywhere after Mississippi State University released the new master plan for Dudy Noble Field earlier this month. From the Left Field Lofts to the newly update concourse, this baseball field will be designed to accommodate and exemplify the traditions that surround the Diamond Dawgs.

What many may not realize is that Brookhaven-native Michael Boerner was part of the creative effort behind this design.

“Considering it is our alma mater, it’s been a dream job,” he said.

Boerner, a 1994 Brookhaven High School graduate, said Wier Boerner Allin Architecture had been developing the Mississippi State softball and tennis facilities when MSU decided to increase their scope to include the conceptual design of Dudy Noble.

The design calls for a double-tiered grandstand with chairback seating, a new entry plaza, a kids’ play area in addition to several other improvements. The premium seating will include 50 skyboxes, with 25 in the outfield. The outfield suites will include two bedrooms, a bath, kitchen and living space.

Boerner said his favorite part of the design is the open concourse, which allows the crowd to watch the game from any area.

“The open concourse is a concept most ball parks are going towards,” he said.

MSU currently holds the top 10 on-campus crowds in NCAA baseball history, and the stadium is designed to support the growing crowds.

Boerner received his undergraduate degree at Millsaps in business administration with a minor in art. After working at WorldCom for two years, he returned to school at Mississippi State to study architecture. He graduated from MSU in 2002.

A former baseball player for the Ole Brook Panthers, he will be celebrating his 20-year reunion with his classmates this fall.

He is the son of Bill and Merrie Boerner.