ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – A public celebration of the new-look Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field is set for Sept. 27. 

The celebration of the $1.5 million renovation project is set to start at 3 p.m. with a blessing of the facility by Fr. Steve Kuehn, followed by a first pitch thrown by Tom Marra. The event is free and open to all.

Following the reception, the program's annual Family Weekend Brown vs. White intrasquad scrimmage will take place.

The project includes a new backstop and netting system extending down the third base line; bleacher seating with backrests for over 400 fans; ADA accessible seating behind home plate; a two-story press box with enhanced broadcast and media capabilities and updated sound system.

The entire project is being funded through private donations. St. Bonaventure alumnus Tom Marra '80 and his wife Michelle gave the lead gift to the project. Marra played baseball at St. Bonaventure for legendary coach Fred Handler, for whom the park is named.

The new construction marks the first major upgrades to Handler Park since the installation of the artificial turf playing surface in 2006. The field was set in its present-day location in 1958 with a dedication ceremony naming it in honor of St. Bonaventure alumni and National Baseball Hall of Fame members John McGraw and Hugh Jennings. The facility became known as Fred Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field in 2006 with the conversion of the playing surface from grass to state-of-the-art Sport Turf XP. A new scoreboard was put in place in 2020.

The Buffalo News recognized Handler Park by naming it one of the Top 10 most beautiful settings to watch a baseball game in New York State.