Boshamer Stadium

Boshamer Stadium is the home ballpark for the North Carolina Tar Heels baseball team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Located on the university's campus in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the facility has served as a premier venue in NCAA Division I college baseball since its opening in 1972. Named for longtime university supporter Cary C. Boshamer, the stadium has undergone significant renovations to maintain its status as a top-tier facility, hosting numerous Atlantic Coast Conference tournaments and NCAA tournament games.

History

The stadium was constructed to replace the team's former home, Emerson Field, which had been used since the early 20th century. Ground was broken in 1970, and the ballpark officially opened for the 1972 NCAA Division I baseball season. It was named in honor of Cary C. Boshamer, a Gastonia, North Carolina businessman and devoted alumnus whose philanthropic support greatly benefited the university's athletic programs. Throughout its history, the venue has been central to the success of the Tar Heels under coaches like Mike Roberts and later Mike Fox, who led the program to multiple appearances in the College World Series.

Facilities and features

The stadium complex includes a main grandstand behind home plate with chairback seating, complemented by bleacher sections along the baselines. The playing surface features a state-of-the-art AstroTurf infield and a meticulously maintained Bermuda grass outfield. Key facilities include expansive home and visitor dugouts, a modern press box for media and broadcasting, and the Diamond Heels clubhouse with locker rooms, training areas, and player lounges. The outfield backdrop is dominated by the iconic scoreboard in left-center field and the "Blue Heaven" seating area atop the right-field wall, offering a unique vantage point for fans.

Notable events

Boshamer Stadium has been the site of many significant games in college baseball history. It has hosted the Atlantic Coast Conference baseball tournament on several occasions, including in 1983, 1990, and 2013. The venue has also been a frequent host for NCAA tournament regional and super regional rounds, most notably during the Tar Heels' consecutive runs to the College World Series in 2006 and 2007 under coach Mike Fox. Other memorable events include a 1990 regular-season game where future Major League Baseball star B.J. Surhoff played for the visiting University of Miami Hurricanes and numerous matchups against rivals like the Clemson Tigers and Florida State Seminoles.

Renovations and upgrades

A major $25.5 million renovation project completely transformed the stadium between 2007 and 2009. Designed by Davis Partnership Architects and constructed by Bovis Lend Lease, the work was undertaken while the team temporarily played at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. The renovation expanded seating capacity to 4,100, added premium club seats and suites, and constructed a new player development center. Further upgrades have included the installation of a new Daktronics video board, enhanced stadium lighting for television broadcasts, and improvements to concessions and restroom facilities, ensuring the park meets modern standards for both fan experience and player development.

See also

* List of NCAA Division I baseball venues * Atlantic Coast Conference * Mike Fox * College World Series * USA Baseball National Training Complex

Category:Baseball venues in North Carolina Category:University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Category:Atlantic Coast Conference Category:Sports venues completed in 1972