NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt today revealed artistic renderings for major enhancements to Hawkins Field, home of Vanderbilt baseball and the two-time national champion VandyBoys. A cornerstone of Vandy United’s recently announced Dare to Grow phase, the Hawkins Field initiative creates extensive premium seating opportunities, expands capacity and reimagines the game day experience for supporters of one of college baseball’s most successful programs.
“Hawkins Field and the VandyBoys represent Vanderbilt at its best, and I’m excited to create a game day experience that sets a new standard for college baseball,” said Candice Storey Lee, vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director. “As Vandy United becomes part of our Dare to Grow comprehensive campaign, this is our moment to act. Coming together as One Vanderbilt will make this project possible, and every gift is an investment in one of our greatest assets. The VandyBoys are one of a kind, so visiting Hawkins Field to watch them compete should be an experience like no other.”
The initiative maintains and celebrates the venerable stadium’s role as a hub of the Frist Athletics Village—in the best spirit of neighborhood ballparks such as Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. This initiative depends on community support, and alumni and supporters can help shape the future of Hawkins Field by making a gift of any size.
“Coach Corbin and the VandyBoys have long been an example of how we set the same high standards for ourselves in athletics as we do across the rest of the university,” said Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier. “Today’s announcement is further proof that, through the historic Vandy United effort, we will give all those who strive for excellence the tools to succeed and reach the full heights of their potential.”
Working closely with Populous, master architect for Vandy United, enhancements will include:
- Second grandstand level: A new deck of seats above the existing grandstand, part of raising capacity by more than 10 percent, will feature exclusive opera-style boxes that put fans on top of the action. A second pillared concourse creates a coliseum effect for the exterior façade along the multi-use greenway developed in Vandy United’s initial phase.
- Multiple innovative club spaces, including left-field wall and behind-the-plate seating: A completely new addition to Hawkins Field, club spaces give supporters unique ways to enjoy the game. Spaces include seating atop the iconic left-field wall and a partially submerged behind-the-plate vantage point in the main grandstand.
- Multiple private suite opportunities: Also all-new at Hawkins Field, private suites will form a new third level above the existing press box and offer the ultimate group experience.
- 360-degree stadium experience: Fans will be able walk between infield and outfield seating areas without leaving the facility, further enhancing the atmosphere.
- Hawkins Field entry atrium: An instantly Instagrammable spot for all VandyBoys fans, a new entry atrium beyond right field offers a place to meet before climbing the stairs to soak in the unforgettable view of the field.
- Multi-purpose building: A new 20,000-square-foot building beyond right field provides space for enhancing both the fan and student-athlete experience.
National champions in 2014 and 2019, Vanderbilt has an 882-418-1 record under head coach Tim Corbin. This past weekend, the VandyBoys won their fourth SEC Tournament championship—their third under Corbin.
“At Vanderbilt, we bring together the best and brightest to make each other better,” Storey Lee said. “Coach Tim Corbin has done that for 20 years, mentoring Major Leaguers, innovators and community leaders. By setting an unmatched standard of excellence, the VandyBoys dare us to grow with them.”
This weekend, Hawkins Field will host its ninth NCAA regional; it has hosted seven super regionals. During the program’s Hawkins Field era, the VandyBoys have won four SEC championships, three SEC tournament championships and reached the College World Series on five occasions.
“Hawkins Field has helped us create an environment that has led to success and growth over the past 20 years,” Corbin said. “I’m grateful to Chancellor Diermeier and Vice Chancellor Lee for their leadership in ensuring it remains a place that is special for our student-athletes and supporters. Our team understands that we get to share this space for the time we’re given and then pass it on to future generations. What space we have, we take care of. We’re proud of it. This is our home, and I look forward to seeing it grow.”
Under Corbin and during the Hawkins Field era, 15 VandyBoys have been selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft, including 12 selected within the first 10 picks. Ten former student-athletes appeared on either MLB Opening Day rosters or injured lists this year, tied for the most among SEC schools, and 17 former VandyBoys appeared in MLB last year.
About Hawkins Field
Named in honor of the late Charles S. Hawkins, a member of the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame and former All-SEC pitcher, Hawkins Field opened in 2002 on the location of the team’s former home and adjacent to Memorial Gymnasium and FirstBank Stadium.
About the Dare to Grow Campaign
Launched in Vanderbilt’s 150th year, Dare to Grow is a $3.2 billion comprehensive campaign, the most ambitious in university history. The campaign will succeed through three essential pathways—Destination Vanderbilt, Discovery Vanderbilt and One Vanderbilt—and by furthering the culture of belonging, innovation and collaboration that defines the Vanderbilt Way. Learn more at vu.edu/daretogrow.
