West Virginia moved into the Monongalia County Ballpark on April 10. WVU opened the newest collegiate baseball stadium with a 6-5, 13-inning victory against Butler in front of 3,110 fans, the largest to ever see a baseball game in Morgantown. The ballpark seats 3,500 fans and includes hillside seating, club seating and a fan amenity deck. The building just beyond the right field fence serves as the home for the Mountaineers. A state-of-the-art clubhouse, offices, team theater, strength and conditioning facilities, athletic training room and an equipment room provide the team with everything they need to be ready for gameday. A total of 33,158 fans filled the new ballpark in its inaugural season, the most in a single season in program history. WVU averaged 1,507 fans at home, also a record. Attendance at home has risen each of the last three years under coach Randy Mazey. One of the nicest college ballparks in the country, it was named the BaseballParks.com Ballpark of the Year for 2015. The annual award recognizes a new or remodeled stadium with the best combination of site selection, exterior appearance, architectural design and fan amenities. The facility, which is also the home to Minor League Baseball’s West Virginia Black Bears, has been touted as one of the best collaboration efforts seen in the state of West Virginia.
16
MONONGALIA COUNTY BALLPARK