Vanderbilt Reveals New Enhancements For Hawkins Field

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Hawkins Field renovations rendering.

Vanderbilt Athletics has revealed artistic renderings for major enhancements to Hawkins Field, home of the two-time National Champion Vandy Boys.

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 fans of one of college baseball’s most successful programs.

“Hawkins Field and the Vandy Boys represent Vanderbilt at its best, and I’m excited to create a game day experience that sets a new standard for college baseball,” says Candice Storey Lee, Vice Chancellor for Athletics & 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 Vandy Boys are one of a kind, so visiting Hawkins Field to watch them compete should be an experience like no other.”

Hawkins Field renovations rendering.

The initiative maintains and celebrates the stadium’s role as a hub of the Frist Athletics Village. 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 [Tim] Corbin and the Vandy Boys 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,” says Daniel Diermeier, Chancellor. “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: New private suites will form a 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 Vandy 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 Corbin. This past weekend, the Vandy Boys won their fourth SEC Tournament Championship—their third with Corbin.

Hawkins Field renovations rendering.

“At Vanderbilt, we bring together the best and brightest to make each other better,” says Lee. “Coach Tim Corbin has done that for 20 years, mentoring Major Leaguers, innovators and community leaders. By setting an unmatched standard of excellence, the Vandy Boys dare us to grow with them.”

This weekend, Hawkins Field will host its ninth NCAA Regional. During the program’s Hawkins Field era, the Vandy Boys 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,” says Corbin. “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.”

Steven Boero
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