I recently visited Horner Ballpark, home of the Dallas Baptist University baseball team. Let me tell you, this place is a hidden gem! The stadium offers fans one of the most unique and picturesque experiences in college baseball.
From the moment I stepped inside, I was impressed by the beautiful design and top-notch facilities. The ballpark opened in 2013 and has quickly become a favorite spot for baseball lovers.
I loved how the stadium blends modern amenities with a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
My visit to Horner Ballpark was more than just watching a game. It was a full experience that left me wanting to come back soon. From the tasty food options to the friendly staff, everything about this place made me feel welcome and excited about college baseball.
Key Takeaways
- Horner Ballpark offers a unique and beautiful setting for college baseball games.
- The stadium combines modern features with an intimate atmosphere for fans.
- Dallas Baptist University’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of the ballpark.
History and Background
Horner Ballpark has a rich history tied to DBU Baseball. I’ll share how this amazing stadium came to be and the team’s legacy that calls it home.
Inception and Construction
I was thrilled when Horner Ballpark opened on February 15, 2013. It marked a new chapter for DBU Baseball. The ballpark is named after Joan and Andy Horner, who made a generous lead donation. Their gift of over $2.5 million helped make this dream a reality.
FJW Construction did a fantastic job building the stadium. They included some great features like batting tunnels under the stadium. These tunnels give easy access from behind the home dugout.
The designers thought of everything. They added coaches’ offices, a meeting room with video capabilities, and a reception area. All these extras help the players and coaches during their time at DBU.
Baseball Team Heritage
I love how Horner Ballpark reflects DBU’s commitment to top-tier baseball. The Dallas Baptist Patriots, who play in NCAA Division I, call this field home. It’s part of Conference USA, a competitive league.
The Patriots have a strong baseball tradition. This new ballpark shows how much the university values its program. It’s one of the best facilities in college baseball. In fact, D1Baseball.com has given it high praise.
I think it’s cool how the ballpark sits on campus. It’s in a quiet spot behind the student housing. This location makes it easy for students to come cheer on their team.
Stadium Features
Horner Ballpark has some amazing features that make it a top-notch college baseball venue. I’m excited to share what makes this stadium special, from its beautiful design to its modern amenities and comfortable seating options.
Architectural Design
The stadium’s Georgian-style facade catches my eye right away. It’s made of dark red brick that fits perfectly with the rest of the Dallas Baptist University campus. I love how the designers at HKS, a well-known architecture firm, created a ballpark that feels both classic and modern.
The overall layout is super fan-friendly. There’s great visibility from every seat, so I never miss a play. The stadium opened in 2013, and it still feels fresh and new to me every time I visit.
State-of-the-Art Amenities
Horner Ballpark doesn’t skimp on the cool features. One thing I really appreciate is the batting tunnels under the stadium. They’re easy for players to access right from behind the home dugout.
The stadium has closed-circuit TVs throughout, so I can keep up with the game even when I’m grabbing a snack. There’s also a high-tech meeting room with video capabilities for the team. It’s clear they’ve thought of everything to make this a top-notch facility.
Guest Comforts and Suites
When it comes to comfort, Horner Ballpark really delivers. The stadium has a capacity of 3,492 seats, including four guest suites. These suites are perfect for groups or special events.
I also love the party plazas scattered around the ballpark. They’re great spots to hang out with friends and enjoy the game atmosphere. The seating throughout is comfortable, and there are plenty of concession options nearby.
For a college ballpark, the amenities here are seriously impressive. It’s no wonder Horner Ballpark was ranked the 20th best stadium in college baseball by D1Baseball.com.
Fan Experience
Horner Ballpark offers a great place to watch college baseball. The stadium has comfortable seating, tasty food options, and fun events for fans. I’ll share what I enjoyed most during my visit.
Seating and View
I found the seating at Horner Ballpark to be comfy and well-placed. The stadium has about 2,000 seats, all with good views of the field. I sat behind home plate and could see the whole diamond clearly.
The seats are mostly individual chairs with backs, which I liked. Some areas have bleacher seating too. I noticed the first few rows are closest to the action.
For a different view, I checked out the grassy berm in the outfield. It’s a nice spot to spread out a blanket and relax while watching the game.
Concessions and Merchandise
The food at Horner Ballpark hit the spot. I tried a few things from the main concession stand behind home plate. They had classic ballpark fare like hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn.
I also grabbed a burger, which was pretty tasty. Prices seemed fair for stadium food. Drink options included soda, water, and sports drinks.
For Dallas Baptist gear, I browsed the small merchandise stand. They had t-shirts, hats, and other Patriots items. I picked up a DBU baseball cap as a souvenir.
Entertainment and Events
Between innings, I enjoyed the fun activities for fans. The stadium staff ran contests and games on the field. Kids seemed to have a blast participating.
The audio broadcast was clear throughout the park. I could easily follow the play-by-play announcer while walking around.
On themed nights, the atmosphere was extra lively. I went to a “Disco Night” game where fans dressed up and danced to 70s tunes. It added a fun twist to the regular game experience.
Athlete and Coach Facilities
Horner Ballpark offers top-notch facilities for athletes and coaches. I was impressed by the range of spaces designed to help players train, prepare, and strategize.
Training and Preparation Areas
The batting tunnels at Horner Ballpark are a standout feature. I saw multiple cages where players can practice their swings year-round. The tunnels have high-tech pitching machines and video analysis tools.
There’s also a spacious weight room filled with modern equipment. I noticed it’s tailored for baseball-specific workouts.
The indoor practice area allows teams to train during bad weather. It’s large enough for fielding drills and pitching practice.
I was amazed by the sports medicine facilities. They have treatment tables, rehab equipment, and a hydrotherapy area. Players can recover quickly from injuries here.
Administrative and Meeting Spaces
The coaches’ offices at Horner Ballpark are impressive. They’re roomy and have great views of the field. I saw desks, comfortable seating, and lots of storage for game plans and scouting reports.
There’s a large meeting room for team gatherings. It’s equipped with a big screen and comfy chairs. I can imagine lively strategy sessions happening here.
The video capabilities throughout the facility are cutting-edge. There are cameras to record games and practices. Coaches can easily review footage in their offices or the meeting room.
I noticed a player lounge near the locker rooms. It’s a cozy space where athletes can relax between training sessions.
Gameplay and Competitions
Horner Ballpark hosts exciting college baseball games and tournaments. The atmosphere is electric during big matchups. I’ve seen some thrilling moments here that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Scoreboard and Technology
The scoreboard at Horner Ballpark is top-notch. It’s big and bright, making it easy to follow the action. I love how it shows player stats and replays. The sound system is great too. It pumps up the crowd with music between innings.
During games, I’ve noticed they use advanced tech for pitch tracking. This helps coaches and players analyze performance. Fans can also access live stats on their phones through the stadium’s Wi-Fi.
Conference and Regional Tournaments
Horner Ballpark shines during big tournaments. I’ve seen it host Missouri Valley Conference games that were super intense. The stands get packed for these matchups.
The park has also been a site for NCAA Regionals. I remember watching teams battle it out for a spot in the College World Series. The Dallas Regional brings in top programs from around the country.
During these events, the whole place buzzes with excitement. Scouts from pro teams often show up. It’s fun to see tomorrow’s stars play here before they make it big.
Getting to Horner Ballpark
Horner Ballpark is easy to reach by car or public transit. I’ve got all the info you need to plan your trip to see the Dallas Baptist Patriots play ball.
Parking and Accessibility
Horner Ballpark is located on the Dallas Baptist University campus in a quiet area behind the dorms. I find it’s best to approach from the south using Interstate 20. Just take the Mountain Creek Parkway exit.
If you’re coming from the north, hop on Interstate 30 to Loop 12, then to Mountain Creek Parkway. The stadium has plenty of parking nearby, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a spot.
For fans with accessibility needs, there are designated spaces close to the entrance. I’ve noticed the staff is always happy to help if you need any assistance getting to your seat.
Public Transportation Options
While driving is the most common way to get to Horner Ballpark, you do have some public transit choices. The closest DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) station is several miles away, so you’ll need to catch a bus or rideshare from there.
I recommend checking the DART trip planner online before you go. It’ll give you the best route based on where you’re starting from. Just be sure to allow extra time if you’re using public transit.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also good options. They can drop you off right at the stadium entrance, which is super convenient.
Community and Outreach
Horner Ballpark goes beyond baseball, making a big impact on the local area. I’ve seen how it brings people together and helps students learn.
Local Community Engagement
I love how Horner Ballpark gets involved with Dallas. They host fun events for families all year. I’ve been to their baseball clinics where kids learn new skills.
The stadium also works with local charities. I saw them do a food drive last month. Fans brought canned goods to help feed hungry people nearby.
During games, local groups often set up booths. I learned about cool volunteer opportunities this way. The ballpark really cares about making Dallas better.
Educational Programs and Events
Horner Ballpark isn’t just for games. I’ve seen lots of school field trips there. Kids get to tour the stadium and learn about sports management.
They have a neat program where students design new features for the left field area. I heard the winning ideas might actually get built!
College classes sometimes meet at the park too. I sat in on a sports marketing lecture once. It was cool to learn in such a unique place.
The stadium also hosts job fairs. I found out about careers in sports I never knew existed. Horner Ballpark really helps educate the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Horner Ballpark has a lot to offer fans. I’ve found answers to some common questions about the stadium’s features, amenities, and accessibility.
What amenities does Horner Ballpark offer to fans?
Horner Ballpark has some great amenities. There are batting tunnels underneath the stadium that players can easily access from behind the home dugout.
I also noticed comfortable seating and clean restrooms throughout the ballpark. The concourse is wide, making it easy to move around during games.
How accessible is parking at Horner Ballpark for game days?
I found parking at Horner Ballpark to be pretty convenient. There’s a good-sized lot right next to the stadium.
On busy game days, I recommend arriving early to get a spot close to the entrance. Some street parking is also available nearby if the main lot fills up.
Are there any family-friendly features at Horner Ballpark for younger fans?
Kids will have fun at Horner Ballpark. There’s a small play area where little ones can burn off energy between innings.
I’ve seen mascots walking around, interacting with kids and taking photos. The atmosphere is family-friendly and welcoming for fans of all ages.
What are the food and beverage options like at Horner Ballpark?
The food at Horner Ballpark is tasty. You’ll find typical ballpark fare like hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn at the concession stands.
I’ve also spotted some local food vendors offering unique options. There are several beverage stations selling both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the park.
How does Horner Ballpark accommodate fans with disabilities?
Horner Ballpark seems to be pretty accessible. I’ve noticed wheelchair ramps and elevators for easy movement between levels.
There are designated accessible seating areas with good views of the field. The restrooms also have accessible stalls to accommodate fans with disabilities.
What are the seating options and views like at Horner Ballpark?
The seating at Horner Ballpark is comfortable. Different seating options are available to accommodate various preferences and budgets.
Most seats offer a clear view of the action. The stadium design keeps fans close to the field, creating an intimate atmosphere for watching the game.