AIB, Lincoln to Break Ground on Ball Field Partnership

AIB College of Business and Des Moines Public Schools will officially kick off a new athletics partnership with a groundbreaking ceremony at the Lincoln High School baseball/softball fields, located at 1000 Porter Ave. The event begins at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 20. (NOTE: This event was originally scheduled for Tuesday, September 17 but postponed due to rain.)

AIB’s new softball and baseball programs will use the Lincoln South softball and baseball fields for practice and for home games. The school district will be responsible for most maintenance of the fields, and AIB will contribute to the cost of renovating the fields.

The initial term of the agreement is five years, with the option for AIB to extend the agreement for four three-year terms with the approval of the Des Moines Public Schools.

“This is an exciting partnership for both AIB and Lincoln High School,” says AIB President Nancy Williams. “AIB will have the use of collegiate-level softball and baseball fields that are near our campus, and the college will have the opportunity to establish a feeder system of student-athletes for all sports from a major CIML high school in Des Moines.

“Lincoln High School will have assistance in upgrading facilities to use as their home fields. And the city of Des Moines will benefit from beautification of a very visible area.”

Superintendent Tom Ahart says Des Moines Public Schools is fortunate to have partnerships with many higher education institutions in central Iowa.

“This is a great opportunity to expand our relationship with AIB,” Ahart says. “This joint effort not only benefits student-athletes at both Lincoln and AIB but will enhance a public venue in our south-side community.”