VMDO Architects

With $2 million in gifts from anonymous donors, the University of Virginia asked VMDO to design the renovation and expansion of the current baseball field. The goal of the project was to create “one of the best places to watch and play baseball in the Atlantic Coast Conference,” according to Head Baseball Coach Dennis Womack.

Four million dollars in improvements were planned in the first phase of the expansion, including a canopied grandstand with 1,600 seats, half with chair backs, to replace the existing metal-seat bleachers, and six sky boxes with private restroom facilities for lease by fans and corporate sponsors. New stadium lighting was also installed, as well as an on-site locker room and clubhouse, a press box and concession area. Future phases included a digital scoreboard and a grass-sloped seating area suitable for picnics during games.

The covered grandstand and enhanced landscape define and enclose the field, creating an intimate outdoor room that involves fans in the on-field action. Access to the field has also been improved. Spectators for track, soccer, lacrosse or baseball enter through a central pedestrian path. Baseball fans flow onto a gently sloping ramp that carries them around the outfield to the stadium’s concourse. The new ballpark has enabled the University to schedule home games against nationally prominent teams.

The second phase of work, including new weight training and meeting rooms as well as a new Virginia Baseball “Hall of Fame” soon followed. Visiting team and official locker rooms were included. This important facilities upgrade helped to lure a dynamic young coach, Brian O’Connor, to the University, who was named the 2009 National Coach of the Year as he led his team to its first-ever berth in the College World Series in Omaha and a consensus number one ranking in national polls for much of the 2011 season.