Historic Newman Park has been refitted with space-age turf, enhanced drainage, and spacious dugouts, sports new lighting, and currently has temporary bleacher seats.
From afar, the new field looks like a traditional baseball diamond but even the “dirt” portions are turf. The green turf is the same material some Major League teams use and the dirt area is walnut shell. It was tested to feel like the dirt on a Major League field.
Originally built in 1926, Newman Park has hosted professional, college, American Legion, and high school baseball games. And, of course, is home to our Catawba Baseball Team. Jim Gantt, head coach and Rowan American Legion team, said the ballpark is the third-oldest in North Carolina.
Phase I upgrades came as the result of $4 million in donations. Phase II will be coming soon with a goal of approximately $8 million which will include new grandstands, a new clubhouse, restrooms, a concession building, and press box.
Interested in helping with Phase II? Visit catawba.edu/givenow or call our Development Office at 704.637.4394.
Time-Lapse Video of Renovations to Newman Park
See the progress of the Newman Park renovations in our time-lapse video.
