University of Kentucky Cliff Hagan Stadium

In 2002, Kentucky experienced a remarkable addition to its already picturesque landscape. Among the verdant rolling hills, miles of gleaming white fence, the sounds of thoroughbreds sprinting in the wind, and lavish spires rising high above the horizon, the University of Kentucky welcomed its newest athletic facility, one that binds past to present, tradition with innovation, and aestheticism with athleticism.

A new era began in Kentucky baseball history in 2002 as the Wildcats moved into their new lair, the $4.2 million Shively Field at Cliff Hagan Stadium. The state-of-the-art baseball complex replaced the twice-renovated facility that UK baseball had called home since 1969, when it was built as part of the Bernie A. Shively Sports Center. In 1990, the facility underwent a $520,000 renovation to refurbish the stadium, the largest single improvement of its kind until last season’s historical project.

“The construction of our new stadium will carry us well into the 21st century, while maintaining a down-home feeling in our classic setting,” Head Coach John Cohen said. “The Southeastern Conference remains the perennial leader in NCAA Division I baseball, and in order for us to remain competitive, we had to step up to the plate and construct a modern baseball venue for our program, players and fans.”

The renovations are divided into three categories. The facility gained 2,000 chairback seats and is highlighted by the addition of a press box worthy of the major leagues. Featuring radio and television broadcast booths, the new media facility is among the best in the SEC, complete with elevators and restrooms for working press and game management personnel. Able to accommodate a capacity crowd of 3,000, Cliff Hagan Stadium also has two luxury skyboxes that are available for private parties.

Phase two added the construction of traditional, old-style brick walls, reminiscent of classic American ball parks. Extending down both the left and right field lines, the walls meet a freshly painted hunter green outfield fence that replaced the older blue fence. Updated logos and advertisements were also placed on the structure that continues its 340-365-390-350-310 dimensions.

“We are excited about the improvements we have made to our field,” Cohen said. “UK’s dedication to our program made the aesthetic and character qualities of Cliff Hagan Stadium possible.”

Finally, a two-story, brick clubhouse is planned for construction adjacent to the first base dugout. Upon entering the clubhouse lobby, guests may look through glass walls and the Wildcat dugout to the playing surface. The clubhouse first floor will include a team meeting room, locker room, equipment room, uniform storage, showers, and a training room.

The second floor will include office accommodations for the coaching and personnel staff, a kitchen, large meeting room, and a terrace that will look onto Shively Field, the Sports Turf Managers Collegiate Field of the Year in 1999.

“It’s one of the finest facilities in the country and it will allow our players to have a place to call their ‘home away from home’,” Cohen said. “It’s not only going to be a locker room facility, but it’s also going to have a players’ lounge for them to relax and unwind between practices, games and academics. We’re very enthusiastic about the way this project will help our existing team and our recruiting efforts.”