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Stanford Botches $50M Softball Stadium Debut
University failed to obtain proper permits before opening new venue, forcing relocation of games.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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Stanford University's $50 million investment in a new softball stadium hit a major snag as the school failed to obtain the necessary permits from Santa Clara County before opening the venue. As a result, Stanford has had to relocate several games, including a tournament, to other nearby facilities while they work to complete the "finishing work" required to receive the county's temporary occupancy permit.
Why it matters
This embarrassing oversight by Stanford's athletics department raises questions about the university's planning and oversight processes for major construction projects. It also inconveniences visiting teams and disrupts the softball team's home schedule in the debut season of the new stadium.
The details
Stanford began practicing at the new $50 million softball stadium two weeks before the start of the 2026 season and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the venue. However, the university failed to obtain a 'temporary occupancy permit' from Santa Clara County before opening the stadium. As a result, Stanford has had to relocate a scheduled tournament as well as other games to facilities at West Valley College, San Jose State University, and Santa Clara University.
- The new $50 million Stanford softball stadium began construction just before the 2025 season.
- Stanford's softball team practiced at the new stadium for two weeks before the start of the 2026 season.
- Stanford held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to debut the new stadium at the start of the 2026 season.
- On February 14, 2026, Stanford announced they did not have the proper permits to use the new stadium.
- Stanford's first scheduled home games, including a tournament, have been relocated to other nearby facilities.
The players
Stanford Cardinal
The NCAA Division I athletic program of Stanford University.
Jacqueline Onciano
The Santa Clara County Director of Planning and Management.
What’s next
Stanford officials have not provided a timeline for when they expect to receive the necessary county permit to begin using the new $50 million softball stadium.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the importance of thorough planning and permitting processes for major university construction projects, even for facilities intended for athletic programs. Stanford's failure to obtain the proper approvals before opening their new softball stadium has caused significant disruption to the team's schedule and inconvenience for visiting teams.
