California Lutheran University has begun construction on its new softball field- the latest venue in the athletics complex on the north side of Olsen Road in Thousand Oaks.

With a grading permit in hand, construction officially began in the area north of the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center and west of Ullman Stadium. A survey staking took place on Sept. 28.

Contractor operations were slated to begin Monday, with the placement of storm water management devices. Grading was scheduled to start Tuesday.

"We expect the field construction to take approximately three months, with additional time required for the field to establish," said Valerie Crooks, CLU's senior project manager.

The field will be ready for play midway through the Regals' spring season.

Currently, the athletics complex includes Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, Samuelson Aquatics Center, George "Sparky" Anderson Field and Ullman Stadium, a soccer field and practice fields. The area will eventually include tennis courts, a community pool, football stadium and track and field facilities.

The removal of Gibello Softball Field on the southwest side of campus will allow for construction of a new residence hall that is slated to open in fall 2009.