News

Lee University has announced the Grand Opening and Dedication of the new Baseball Stadium at Olympic Field for Saturday, April 6, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Bradley County Schools and Lee University renewed their long-standing partnership in February when the Bradley County School Board signed a new agreement allowing Lee continued use of the baseball field property owned by the school system. The support of Dr. Linda Cash, director of Bradley County Schools, and Corey Limburg, principle of Ocoee Middle School, made this project possible.

“We are thrilled with this new facility,” says Lee President Paul Conn. “This is a wonderful partnership with Bradley County Schools which has flourished for over 20 years, and it is a win-win for both of us.” At Saturday’s ceremonies, Bradley County Director of Schools, Dr. Linda Cash, and the chairman of Lee’s Board of Directors, Dennis Livingston of Charlotte, North Carolina, will participate, along with Conn and others. Numerous former Lee baseball players are returning for the occasion.

The dedication ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. with gates opening to fans beginning at 1 p.m. The Flames will host Delta State University, ranked No. 12 in NCAA Division II, with the first pitch of the series set for 2 p.m.

A new era began for the storied Lee University baseball program on Feb. 15-16 as the Flames hosted their first games in the new facility taking 2 of 3 from Valdosta State, a rival in the Gulf South Conference.

The new venue is two levels and approximately 9,400 square feet and features chair back seating for 400 fans with an overhanging roof. Fans will also enjoy expanded concession areas, spacious restrooms and two handicap seating sections.

The players and coaches have enjoyed major upgrades as well. The dugout space has been increased on both the home and visitor’s side. The Flames locker room has been expanded and features lockers for 38 players along with private restrooms and shower areas. Head Coach Mark Brew and his staff also have a new office space.

The press box is located on the top level directly behind home plate with space to accommodate game staff, team broadcasters, and local press.

Olympic Field 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 were Tri-Con, Inc., of Cleveland. The architect was ArCon Group Inc., of Cleveland with architectural services provided by Rardin and Carroll Architects, of Chattanooga.

The festivities will coincide with the university’s annual Lee Day Weekend, which serves as the premiere student recruitment event for the school each spring. For more information on Lee Day weekend, visit Lee Day.