DAHLONEGA - The University of North Georgia Department of Athletics officially opened Cottrell Terrace Saturday morning with a ceremonial ribbon cutting down at Lynn Cottrell Park.

Mike and Lynn Cottrell were in attendance to cut the ribbon, flanked by head softball coach Mike Davenport and Senior Vice President for Business & Finance Dr. Mac McConnell.

"We are beyond grateful for this gift provided by Lynn and Mike Cottrell," said Davenport. "With their support we have been able to continue to support our student-athletes, staff, and Nighthawk Nation with enhancements to our first-class facilities."

Fans and visitors can now enjoy a new 360-degree access around the field of play while the terrace project provides a "natural" setting for fans to bring sports chairs, blankets, or stand at the beverage shelf and enjoy some of the best NCAA Division II softball in the nation. 

The terrace project also includes new flag poles in center field that fly the American flag in the center with the Georgia state flag and the interlocking NG flag on either side.