Schedule Update: Storm Softball Home Opener Pushed to Sunday

SALEM, Ore. — Mother Nature is throwing a bit of a curveball at the start of our home season. Due to a rainy forecast hitting the Willamette Valley this Friday, the Chemeketa Storm's home-opening doubleheader against Lower Columbia has been rescheduled.

Originally slated for Friday, March 13th, the Storm will now take the field on Sunday, March 15th. While we're all eager to get the season started, moving to Sunday ensures our fans (and our outfielders) don't need a snorkel to enjoy the game.

A New Era at Belmodis Field

The delay only builds the anticipation for what is truly a historic day for Chemeketa Athletics. This Sunday marks the official debut of the all-new synthetic turf at Belmodis Field. The extensive turf project, which broke ground in early October 2025, was meticulously completed in late February. This isn't just a "patch of grass"—it's a high-performance, multi-layered system designed to handle the exact type of weather that moved Friday's game.

What's New at the Diamond?

• State-of-the-Art Turf: The new surface replaces the traditional grass and dirt, allowing for superior drainage and a consistent "true bounce" for every play.

• Brighter Nights: As part of the upgrades, brand new LED field lights were installed, ensuring that late-afternoon doubleheaders can finish under professional-grade visibility.

• All-Weather Capability: While the rain is moving this game to ensure a better fan experience, the new turf means the Storm can now practice and play in conditions that would have previously resulted in weeks of "mud-outs."

The Weather Outlook

The decision to move the game comes as Salem expects a 75% chance of rain this Friday, with temperatures hovering around 54°F. Sunday's shift looks to provide a much cleaner window to celebrate the hard work of our facilities crew and the start of the Storm's home campaign.

"The transformation of Belmodis Field represents a huge investment in our student-athletes," said the athletic department. "Between the new lights and the turf, we're ready to host one of the best environments in the NWAC."

Game Day Information

• Who: Chemeketa Storm vs. Lower Columbia

• When: Sunday, March 15, 2026

• Where: Belmodis Field (Chemeketa Salem Campus)

• Admission: Come out and support your Storm on their brand new home turf!

Photo Credit: The Athlete Studio     Instagram: @TheAthlete_Studio