The University of Virginia‘s baseball program celebrated a milestone this week, when it played its first game at a renovated and expanded Davenport Field.
Designed by DLR Group, the renovations affected both the fan and player experiences at the ballpark. The additions to Davenport Field included enhanced options for viewing the game, and a new front door into the ballpark in right field.
In addition to a new wrap-around elevated concourse, fans can now select from a variety of seating options, including chair back seating, outfield bleachers, berm, and a picnic terrace. The Field Level Club along the first base line provides fans with views of the diamond. This exclusive seating area features three rows of reserved seating for approximately 140 fans, a field level lounge, full service bar, and an outside patio area. Additional seating raises capacity to 5,500, ranking it as the third largest ballpark in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
“The Cavaliers have enjoyed unprecedented success in recent years, and fans are taking notice. The team has ranked among the top 20 nationally in attendance per game in each of the past eight seasons,” said DLR Group sports designer Stan Meradith, FAIA. “Our design builds on the 2015 College World Series Championship and excitement surrounding the Cavaliers program by creating a memorable game-day experience and elevating Davenport Field to among the elite NCAA Division-I ballparks.”
Team training and recruitment are also enhanced with the new indoor player development center, bullpen, and baseball operations suite. Future plans for the ballpark include suite, club, and party deck spaces to be positioned above the concourse for an exceptional viewing perspective of the action on the field.
While the latest expansion is complete, Davenport Field could be receiving a new name as the result of an anonymous donation. Pending formal approval from the University of Virginia Board of Visitors on March 2, the ballpark will become Davenport Field at Disharoon Park in honor of Leslie B. Disharoon and Ann Merriwether Disharoon.
The Virginia Cavaliers played their first game at the renovated and expanded Davenport Stadium on Tuesday, dropping a 9-4 contest against VMI.
Rendering courtesy DLR Group.