Clark–LeClair Stadium
_(41604423915).jpg) A view from the third base bleachers in 2018 | |
 | |
| Full name | Lewis Field at Clark-LeClair Stadium[1] |
|---|---|
| Location | 9999 Charles Boulevard Greenville, North Carolina |
| Coordinates | 35°35′36″N 77°22′02″W / 35.5933°N 77.3673°W |
| Owner | East Carolina University |
| Operator | East Carolina University |
| Capacity | 6,000 |
| Record attendance | 6,054 vs NC State (April 23, 2024)[2] |
| Field size | Left: 320 feet (98 m) Center: 390 feet (119 m) Right: 320 feet (98 m)[1] |
| Surface | Bermuda Turf |
| Construction | |
| Built | 2004–05 |
| Opened | March 4, 2005 |
| Construction cost | $11 million |
| Architect | Walter, Robbs, Callahan & Pierce |
| Tenants | |
| East Carolina Pirates (NCAA) (2005–present) C-USA tournament (2007) | |
Clark–LeClair Stadium is a baseball park located on the campus of East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. It is the home field of the East Carolina Pirates of the American Athletic Conference. The stadium was named after Pirate alumnus and contributor Bill Clark and former Pirates coach Keith LeClair. ECU's current head coach is Cliff Godwin.
The stadium has 3,000 stadium bleacher seats, plus space for several thousand more spectators in "The Jungle." There are concession and restroom facilities at the stadium, plus a family picnic area. Amenities include the Pirate Club fundraising and hospitality suite and a private suite for the LeClair family. The venue was built with $11 million in private donations.
The playing surface consists of Celebration Bermuda turf with a clay base infield and crushed-brick warning track. Facilities include indoor and outdoor batting cages, a VIP booth, coach's offices, and a player clubhouse, as well as state-of-the-art broadcast facilities. Before the 2017 season, an updated scoreboard and sound system was installed. In 2019, a 7,125-square foot hitting facility was completed along the right field line at a cost of $1 million.[3] In 2024 a new LED lighting system was installed prior to the season to "improve visibility and lower maintenance costs."[4]
The dimensions of the outfield are 320 feet (98 m) down the foul lines and 400 feet (122 m) to center field.[1] The diamond has an unorthodox northwesterly alignment (home plate to center field); the recommended orientation is east-northeast.[5] The elevation of the field is approximately 70 feet (21 m) above sea level.
The stadium is home to the 2007 ECU Invitational[6] and Keith LeClair Classic[7] The Pirates consistently rank in the top thirty among Division I baseball programs in attendance.[8]
Events
[edit]The stadium hosted the Conference USA tournament in 2007, won by Rice,[9] the Regionals of the NCAA tournament in 2009, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2022 Super Regional.[10]
Facts
[edit]- Largest crowd — 6,054 vs NC State on April 23, 2024 won by East Carolina 10–6
- First game — ECU vs. Michigan on March 4, 2005,[1] won by East Carolina 2–1.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "LEWIS FIELD AT CLARK-LeCLAIR STADIUM". ECU Athletics. Archived from the original on March 14, 2009. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
- ^ "Starling Cycle Propels No. 7 ECU Past No. 21 NC State". ECU Athletics. April 23, 2024. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
- ^ "Lewis Field at Clark-LeClair Stadium". East Carolina University Athletics. East Carolina University. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
- ^ Gilbert, Jon (January 22, 2024). "An Update From AD Jon Gilbert". East Carolina University Athletics. East Carolina University. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
As part of the Pirates Unite Campaign baseball building expansion project, new LED lights are being installed at Clark-LeClair Stadium prior to the season-opening series. The lights will improve visibility and lower maintenance costs. It will be a terrific addition to the already festive atmosphere. This is the first of a series of lighting projects that will extend to the Max R. Joyner Family Stadium and Johnson Stadium in the future. The video boards were replaced at Johnson Stadium and Max R. Joyner Family Stadium. Fans will have a much clearer picture for all graphics, statistics, and advertisements.
- ^ "Official Baseball Rules: 2.01 Layout of the Field" (PDF). Major League Baseball. 2018. p. 2.
- ^ "2007 ECU Invitational". ECU Athletics. Archived from the original on 2009-01-05. Retrieved 2009-04-24.
- ^ "6th Annual Keith LeClair Classic". ECU Athletics. Archived from the original on 2012-07-11. Retrieved 2009-04-24.
- ^ Cutler, Tami (June 9, 2017). "2015 Division I Baseball Attendance - Final Report" (PDF). Sportswriters.net. NCBWA. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
- ^ "2012 Conference USA Baseball Media Guide" (PDF). p. 75. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-11-12. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
- ^ "2024 East Carolina Baseball Record Book" (PDF). East Carolina University Athletics. ECU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. 2024. p. 38. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
External links
[edit]- East Carolina University Athletics – Lewis Field at Clark-LeClair Stadium