The 2012 Blue Bell Park upgrades were a vast improvement, However, the
seating capacity was decreased from 7,000 to 5,400 to accommodate the changes (although with standing room only will still hold over 7,000).
Look at who's who in the College World Series - many of whom are our competition...
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/top-10-college-ballparks/Quote:
1. Baum Stadium, Arkansas
Opened in 1996, Baum remains one of the crown jewels of college baseball. It quickly became the model ballpark in college baseball and has withstood the test of timewith the help of some improvements over the years that have increased its seating capacity and the number of suites, as well as changing the playing surface from artificial turf to grass. Arkansas annually ranks near the top of college baseball's attendance leaders and the Hog Pen picnic area in left field remains an iconic experience.
Coach Dave Van Horn said Baum is critical to the program's success because it acts as a showpiece to attract elite players to Fayetteville, which is far from a major metropolitan area.
Baum has helped Arkansas compete at a high level and created an atmosphere that is envied around the country. The first of its kind remains college baseball's pinnacle.
2. Alex Box Stadium, Louisiana State
LSU has led the nation in attendance for 22 straight seasons, spanning the old Alex Box Stadium and the new one, which opened in 2009. The new Box seats more than 10,000 fans and provides an outstanding setting for baseball.
3. Dudy Noble Field, Mississippi State
In a year, this might rank even higher. Mississippi State is in the midst of a $55 million renovation of the park, which already boasted one of the best atmospheres in the country.
4. TD Ameritrade Park, Creighton
The home of the College World Series doubles as Creighton's home. While some grumble that it plays as too much of a pitcher's park, no one can argue with its beauty and amenities.
5. Husky Ballpark, Washington
Set on Lake Washington, Husky Ballpark provides one of the best settings in the country with Mount Rainier visible on a clear day.
6. Boshamer Stadium, North Carolina
The rebuilt Bosh opened in 2009 and matches the classic style of the campus that surrounds it.
7. Blue Bell Park, Texas A&M
With two decks and a facade reminiscent of the Rangers' Globe Life Park in Arlington, Blue Bell Park feels like a major league ballpark combined with a college atmosphere.
8. Springs Brooks Stadium, Coastal Carolina
Springs Brooks Stadium, which opened in 2015, highlights the atmosphere of nearby Myrtle Beach, with a concourse that evokes the boardwalk and deck chairs lining the berms.
9. Eddy D. Field Stadium, Pepperdine
An unparalleled setting on the Pacific Ocean highlights Field Stadium and makes it one of the most picturesque venues in the country.
10. Founders Park, South Carolina
Founders Park has minor league amenities combined with a boisterous atmosphere that make it one of the best places to watch a game.
Top Five Historic College Parks
1. Swayze Field, Mississippi
Originally built in 1988, Swayze stands out for its charm and rowdy atmosphere, fueled by the student section in right field and its famous beer showers after home runs.
2. Disch-Falk Field, Texas
The Longhorns' home since 1975, Disch-Falk Field has undergone several renovations but retains its original charm and is now filled with history and championships.
3. Sunken Diamond, Stanford
Built in 1931 on an area originally excavated during the construction of Stanford's football stadium, Sunken Diamond provides a unique setting for a game.
4. Yale Field, Yale
The Bulldogs have been playing baseball on this site since the turn of the 20th Century when it was more of a field than a stadium. Yale Field opened in 1928, features a beautiful arch-lined concourse and Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Ted Williams have all played there.
5. Blair Field, Long Beach State
Opened in 1958, Blair has become intertwined with amateur baseball in Southern California. In addition to being the home of Long Beach, it also hosts the annual Area Code Games and countless future big leaguers have played on the field.
Let's look at #1 on the list - Baum Field at Arkansas. Currently they can officially seat 10,737 but often have more attend games.
http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/baum-stadium/Quote:
Baum Stadium was one of the nation's best facilities when it was constructed, but since then, it has undergone three renovations making it the envy of visiting teams. The first upgrade came prior to the 2003 season when the hitting and pitching cages were enclosed to ensure a place for Razorback players to practice year round. A total of 2,600 chair back seats were added to the park, 1,300 of which reside on each foul line.
Stadium Facts
CAPACITY
RECORD AT BAUM STADIUM
FIRST GAME
DEDICATION
10,737
424-168 (.716)
April, 13 1996 (Arkansas 8, Auburn 2)
May 3, 1996 (Arkansas 9, Alabama 3)
Stadium Named For
Field Named For
Charlie Baum
George Cole
ALL-TIME TOP 10 SINGLE-GAME ATTENDANCE FIGURES (ACTUAL ATTENDANCE)
Opponent
Date
Attendance
Auburn
Apr. 26, 2014
11,742
LSU
Apr. 9, 2011
11,103
Arizona State
Apr. 8, 2009
11,014
Mississippi State
Apr. 16, 2011
10,784
LSU
May 5, 2007
10,581
LSU
May 4, 2007
10,147
South Carolina
Apr. 5, 2014
10,103
Auburn
Apr. 25, 2014
10,087
Ole Miss
May 21, 2011
10,084
Florida State*
June 12, 2004
10,027
* NCAA Super Regional
And, they are planning additional improvements in their next Board Meeting:
https://ballparkdigest.com/2018/06/18/arkansas-exploring-baum-stadium-upgrade/Quote:
Arkansas is considering the construction of a new baseball facility at Baum Stadium, with the building planned to include a new clubhouse and other features.
Under a plan that is being floated by university officials, a new building would be constructed beyond the outfield wall at Baum Stadium. The 35,000- to 40,000-square-foot structure would house a new clubhouse, along with coaches' offices, a weight room, a museum area, and other features.
Should the plan come to fruition, it would allow Arkansas to move several baseball facilities into one new structure. The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville board of trustees must approve any plans before construction can move forward, but Arkansas is considering the Baum Stadium upgrade in order to make its player amenities more competitive with those found offered by rival programs. :
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2018/jun/17/yurachek-planning-on-baseball-upgrade-2/?f=sportsQuote:
The last major building project for baseball was completed in 2015 -- an indoor practice facility that is shared with track and field and was projected to cost around $10 million. Baum Stadium last underwent a large-scale renovation prior to the 2007 season, which extended suites down both lines and increased the number of suites from 12 to 32.
Yurachek said he hopes to have plans finalized in time for the November meeting of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville board of trustees, which must approve building projects.
Sports on 06/17/2018
I know A&M often complains about many things and likes to relegate Arkansas to the hillbillies and rednecks of the Ozarks without proper etiquette and manners, but they are doing a real fine job of taking care of business in their facilities - not only baseball, but the best in track and field and in the process of upgrading their football facilities as well.
I'm not saying A&M is not good - I'm saying that there are other programs that have great facilities as well and their recruiting and success of their programs can often be judged by their willingness to strive to do better and be among the best available.
And, FWIW - the "weather", recent exploding growth, and beautiful scenic countryside in NW Arkansas is among the best in the USA. A&M has to be cognizant of the nice things our competition has and not stick our heads in the sand thinking we have the best in everything - when we do not.
