By STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD / Staff Writer

CALERA – Though known for cheerleading and gymnastics, NXS Gym in Calera has expanded to include some other sports.

Dubbed the NXS Dugout, the facility’s added space includes an indoor batting facility for both baseball and softball players of all ages. The Dugout opened about three months ago and includes six 75-foot-long pitching lanes, pitching machines, radar guns, T-ball equipment, L-screens, equipment for rent and purchase, and a space to practice infield drills.

Co-owner David Comer said individuals or teams can rent lanes in half hour increments as they are available, and renting all lanes allows teams to push back the screens separating them and create an open space where they can practice fielding drills.

The perks of his facility include a heating and cooling system, party packages and cheaper rates for people who chose to become members, he said.

The facility also accepts online reservations, which allows customers to know both during and after business hours exactly what cages are available at what times of the day, Comer said.

The Dugout also sells hot dogs, ice cream and BIGS sunflower seeds.

Comer said the batting facility was added after parents requested the facility expand to include something for their sons.

“Gymnastics and cheerleading are mainly girls’ sports,” Comer said. “Travel ball and baseball are really big around here, and we didn’t know of a top-line facility around.”

“Our goal is to go above and beyond and offer more than anybody else at a cheaper price,” Comer added. “We’d rather have more people in here paying less than less people in here paying more.”

The Dugout is located at 5262 Alabama 70 in Calera. Hours are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30-6:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

For more information or to reserve a lane, visit Nxsgym.com/dugout.php or call 668-2003.