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Alex Box Stadium

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Article Genealogy
Parent: Louisiana State University Hop 4
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Alex Box Stadium
NameAlex Box Stadium
LocationBaton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
Broke ground1937
Opened1938
Closed2008
Demolished2009
OwnerLouisiana State University
OperatorLSU Athletics
SurfaceNatural grass
Seating capacity7,760
TenantsLSU Tigers baseball (1938–2008)

Alex Box Stadium. The original Alex Box Stadium was the historic home of the LSU Tigers baseball team from 1938 until 2008. Located on the campus of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the ballpark was renowned for its intense atmosphere and pivotal role in the growth of college baseball in the Southeastern Conference. It was replaced by a new stadium of the same name, with the original site now occupied by the LSU Soccer Stadium.

History

The stadium was constructed in 1937-1938, funded in part by donations from the family of Simeon Alex Box, a promising LSU Tigers baseball player who was killed in a wartime training accident in 1942. For seven decades, it served as the primary venue for one of the nation's most successful collegiate baseball programs under legendary coaches like Skip Bertman. The final game at the original venue was a 2008 NCAA Division I baseball tournament super regional victory over the University of California, Irvine, sending the LSU Tigers to the College World Series.

Features and facilities

The intimate park was known for its distinctive features, including a large, manually-operated scoreboard in left field and bleacher seating that brought fans close to the action. The facility included grandstands behind home plate and extended down the baselines, with the famous "Left Field Lounge" area where fans tailgated from the backs of parked vehicles. Player facilities were housed in the W. T. "Dub" Robinson building, named for a former LSU Tigers coach, and the playing surface was natural Bermuda grass.

Notable events

Alex Box Stadium hosted numerous NCAA Division I baseball tournament regional and super regional competitions, becoming a feared destination for visiting teams. It was the site where Skip Bertman built a dynasty, winning five College World Series championships between 1991 and 2000. The stadium witnessed the careers of future Major League Baseball stars like Albert Belle, Ben McDonald, and Aaron Nola. It also hosted exhibition games featuring the United States national baseball team and various Major League Baseball clubs during spring training tours.

Renovations and expansions

Major upgrades occurred throughout its history to accommodate growing fan interest, including significant expansions in the 1970s and 1980s that increased capacity. A major renovation in 1996 added premium seating, new concession areas, and an improved press box. Further improvements were made in the early 2000s, including enhanced lighting for television broadcasts by networks like ESPN and the SEC Network. These projects were overseen by the LSU Athletics Department to maintain the stadium's viability within the competitive Southeastern Conference.

Attendance records

The stadium was consistently among the national leaders in college baseball attendance, setting numerous records that highlighted the passion of the LSU Tigers fanbase. It regularly hosted crowds exceeding its official capacity of 7,760, particularly during crucial Southeastern Conference series and NCAA Division I baseball tournament games. The final season in 2008 saw an average attendance that ranked in the top five nationally, a testament to the venue's enduring appeal and the program's success under coaches like Paul Mainieri.

The intense environment of Alex Box Stadium, particularly the loud and loyal student section, was frequently featured in national television broadcasts by CBS Sports and ESPN. It served as a filming location for sports documentaries and was referenced in publications like Sports Illustrated. The stadium's unique "Left Field Lounge" tradition was profiled in numerous media outlets, symbolizing the deep cultural connection between Louisiana State University athletics and its supporters.

Category:Defunct baseball venues in the United States Category:Louisiana State University Category:NCAA Division I baseball venues