A new era will begin for the storied Lee University baseball program as construction began this month on a brand-new stadium for the Flames to call home with completion set for the upcoming spring 2019 season.
The new venue, which will sit in the same location as Old Olympic Field, will be two levels and approximately 9,400 square feet. The stadium will feature chair back seating for 356 fans with an overhanging roof. Fans will also enjoy expanded concession areas, spacious restrooms and two handicap seating sections.
The players and coaches will enjoy the upgrades of the state-of-the-art facility.
The dugout space will be increased on both the home and visitor’s side. The Flames locker room has been expanded and will feature lockers for 38 players along with private restrooms and shower areas. Head coach Mark Brew and his staff will enjoy new office space. A new athletic training room is included in the plans to keep players healthy and ready to play.
The press box will be located on the top level directly behind home plate with space to accommodate game staff, team broadcasters and local press. Umpires will have a separate locker room space as will the Ocoee Middle School baseball team in a continued partnership with Lee University Athletics.
“We are excited about this project and the future of our baseball program. We believe this stadium will provide an atmosphere the coaches, players and fans will thoroughly enjoy for years to come," said Cole Strong, Vice President for Operations at Lee.
Old Olympic Field has served as the home of the Flames since 1997 when the baseball program at Lee was reinstated under the direction of coach David Altopp. Over the last 22 years the facility has hosted teams responsible for 984 wins, eight conference championships, 11 regional championships, 10 World Series appearances, 106 all-conference selections, 36 all-americans, 31 players that signed Major League Baseball Contracts and two players that played in the big leagues (Lance Zawadzki who played for Lee in 2007 and Brandon Cunniff who pitched for the Flames in 2009.
The general contractors for the facility are Tri-Con, Inc., of Cleveland. The architect is ArCon Group Inc., of Cleveland with architectural services provided by Rardin and Carroll Architects, of Chattanooga.