Jim Perry Stadium is a hidden gem for baseball fans in North Carolina. I recently visited this cozy ballpark and was impressed by what I found. It’s a great place to catch a game and enjoy America’s favorite pastime.
Jim Perry Stadium offers a fun and affordable baseball experience with free parking, reasonably priced concessions, and excellent views from every seat. I loved the small-town feel combined with the excitement of college and minor league baseball. The stadium is home to both the Campbell University Fighting Camels and has hosted professional teams too.
Located on the Campbell University campus, the stadium has a welcoming atmosphere. I found it easy to get to and was pleasantly surprised by the free parking. The staff were friendly and helped make my visit enjoyable.
Key Takeaways
- Jim Perry Stadium provides an affordable and fun baseball experience for fans
- The stadium offers great views, free parking, and reasonable concession prices
- It’s home to college baseball and has hosted minor league teams
History of Jim Perry Stadium
Jim Perry Stadium has a rich history tied to Campbell University’s baseball program. It’s gone through some big changes over the years to become the nice ballpark it is today.
Early Beginnings and Formation
I love thinking about how Jim Perry Stadium got its start way back in the 1940s. Back then, it was called Taylor Field and Campbell was just a junior college. The field was named after Herbert B. Taylor, who really supported Campbell’s sports teams. As a baseball fan, I find it neat that the stadium has been around for so long.
Campbell’s baseball program has used this field for decades. In recent years, they’ve had a great run. The team has made it to the NCAA Tournament for the last five seasons in a row! That’s pretty impressive for a smaller school.
Notable Renovations and Expansions
The stadium got a big upgrade when it was renamed after Jim Perry, a former Campbell player. Perry went on to win the Cy Young Award in 1970 – how cool is that? I think it’s awesome they honored him this way.
More recently, the stadium got some major renovations:
- A new Jim and Daphne Perry Pavilion
- Fresh turf playing surface
- State-of-the-art video board
- New offices for the baseball staff
- Modern locker room
- In-ground dugouts
- Viewing deck
These updates have really made Jim Perry Stadium a great place to watch baseball. I’d love to catch a game there sometime!
Location and Accessibility
Jim Perry Stadium sits on Campbell University’s campus in Buies Creek, North Carolina. It’s easy to get to and has free parking, making it a breeze for fans to attend games.
Getting to the Stadium
I found Jim Perry Stadium simple to reach. It’s in Buies Creek, about 30 miles south of Raleigh. If you’re coming from Fayetteville, it’s a quick 30-minute drive north on US-401.
The stadium is right on Campbell University’s campus. I love how it blends into the nice neighborhood feel of the area. Signs on campus clearly point the way, so I didn’t get lost.
Public transport options are limited, so driving is your best bet. If you’re from out of town, renting a car might be smart.
Parking Facilities
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Parking at Jim Perry Stadium couldn’t be easier. I was thrilled to find free parking right by the stadium. There are plenty of spots, so I never worry about finding a place to park.
The lots are paved and well-lit. I feel safe walking to and from my car, even for night games. If the main lot is full, overflow parking is available nearby on campus.
For big games, I’d suggest arriving early to snag a prime spot. But even if you’re running late, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a place to park.
Stadium Features and Amenities
Jim Perry Stadium offers fans a great baseball experience. The stadium has comfy seats, tasty food options, and a top-notch playing field. I’ll share what I found most impressive about this ballpark.
Seating Options and Comfort
I love the seating at Jim Perry Stadium. The main grandstand has individual stadium-style seats that are really comfy. There’s also bleacher seating down the baselines for a more casual vibe.
I found the views to be great from all areas. Even in the cheaper seats, I could see the action clearly. There’s plenty of legroom too, which is a big plus for me.
On busy game days, I like to grab a spot on the grassy berm in the outfield. It’s perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying the game picnic-style.
Concessions and Merchandise
The food at Jim Perry Stadium is tasty and won’t break the bank. I always grab some peanuts and popcorn to munch on during the game. They’re classics for a reason!
For a heartier meal, I recommend trying the hot dogs or nachos. The prices are really reasonable compared to other ballparks I’ve visited.
There’s a small team shop near the main entrance. I picked up a cool Fighting Camels t-shirt as a souvenir. They have a good selection of hats and other gear too.
Turf Field and Scoreboard
The turf field at Jim Perry Stadium is top-notch. It always looks pristine, even after a long season. The players seem to love it too – the ball bounces true and slides are smooth.
I’m a big fan of the video board in center field. It’s easy to read and shows all the important stats. They also use it for fun between-inning games and player introductions.
The whole setup gives the stadium a modern feel, despite its smaller size. It really adds to the gameday atmosphere.
Experience for Spectators
Jim Perry Stadium offers a fun and cozy setting for baseball fans. I found the atmosphere welcoming and the views great from any seat.
Day Game Experience
I love watching day games at Jim Perry Stadium. The sunlight bathes the field in a warm glow, creating a perfect backdrop for baseball. I always remember to bring sunscreen, as there’s limited shade in the stands.
The stadium’s small size means I’m close to the action no matter where I sit. I can hear the crack of the bat and players’ chatter clearly. It feels like I’m right on the field with the team.
Concessions are simple but tasty. I enjoy grabbing a hot dog and soda without breaking the bank. The prices are very reasonable for a ballpark.
Atmosphere and Fan Culture
The vibe at Jim Perry Stadium is friendly and laid-back. As both a college ballpark and minor league venue, I get to see a mix of passionate students and families.
I love how everyone seems to know each other. Fans chat between innings and cheer together for big plays. It feels like a community gathering more than just a game.
The stadium may be small, but the energy is big. I often find myself caught up in chants and cheers led by enthusiastic students. It’s impossible not to have fun in this atmosphere.
Hosting Teams and Events
Jim Perry Stadium is a busy place! It’s home to college and pro baseball teams. I’ve seen some great games there.
Campbell University Sports
I love watching the Campbell Fighting Camels baseball team play at Jim Perry Stadium. It’s their home field, and they really bring the energy.
The stadium has been around since the 1940s, but it got a big upgrade in 2011. They built a new grandstand that gives fans a great view of the action.
In 2017, they even put in artificial turf. I think it looks sharp and helps the team play their best.
Buies Creek Astros and Minor League
I was excited when the Buies Creek Astros came to town. They’re a minor league team that shared the stadium for two years.
It was cool to see future pro stars up close. The games were affordable and fun for the whole family.
Jim Perry Stadium isn’t huge, but that makes it cozy. You feel close to the action no matter where you sit. The concessions are cheap too, which I always appreciate at a ballpark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jim Perry Stadium offers a great experience for baseball fans. I’ll answer some common questions about seating, food, family areas, accessibility, parking, and safety.
What are the best seating areas in Jim Perry Stadium for a great view of the game?
I think the best seats are behind home plate. You get a clear view of the whole field from there. The stands along the first and third base lines are good too. They’re close to the action.
Can you tell me about the food and beverage options available at Jim Perry Stadium?
The stadium has simple but inexpensive concessions. I’ve seen hot dogs, popcorn, and sodas. The prices are fair for a ballpark. There are a few snack stands around the stadium.
Are there any family-friendly features or areas at Jim Perry Stadium?
I haven’t seen any specific kid zones. But the stadium is small and cozy. It’s great for families. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun for all ages.
How accessible is Jim Perry Stadium for people with disabilities?
I believe there are wheelchair-accessible areas in the stands. The stadium seems fairly modern. I’d guess they follow accessibility rules. It might be best to call ahead for specific needs.
What are the parking facilities like at Jim Perry Stadium?
There’s free parking at Jim Perry Stadium. It’s on the university campus. I find it easy to park and walk to the stadium. The lots aren’t huge, but they’re convenient.
How does Jim Perry Stadium handle safety and security during events?
I’ve always felt safe at games here. The stadium is on a college campus. I assume they have standard security measures.
Staff members are around during games. The small size makes it easy to keep an eye on things.
