Bryson Field At Boshamer Stadium
February 10, 2023 | Baseball
Located on Ridge Road in the heart of the Carolina campus, the site of Bryson Field at Boshamer Stadium has been the home of the Diamond Heels since the late 1960s when Emerson Field, home of the Tar Heels from 1916-72, was razed due to University expansion. The renovation began in October 2007 and was completed in time for the home opener in 2009. The original Boshamer Stadium was opened in 1972 and hosted five Atlantic Coast Conference Tournaments, as well as NCAA regionals in 1983, 2006 and 2007. The Tar Heels closed "The Bosh" in style with a Super Regional victory over South Carolina in 2007 to advance to the program's sixth College World Series.
The Tar Heels have hosted eight regionals – 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022 - and six super regionals - 2009, 2011, 2013, 2018, 2019 and 2022 - at Bryson Field at Boshamer Stadium since the renovation was completed prior to the 2009 season.
Boshamer Stadium was a gift from 1917 Carolina graduate and textile industrialist Cary C. Boshamer of Gastonia, N.C. The playing surface at the facility - Bryson Field - honors former letterwinner Vaughn Bryson and his wife Nancy, both 1960 graduates of the UNC School of Pharmacy. The Brysons are long-time supporters of the baseball program, athletic department and numerous other schools and departments across UNC.
Vaughn Bryson, former players, and several other Diamond Heel supporters have continued to help fund special projects to enhance the facility since the 2009 renovations were completed. With their support, Carolina enjoys one of the largest video boards in college baseball, along with over 1,300 square feet of usable space along the first base side of the facility. The multi-use space can serve as programming area during regular season and postseason play, a second locker room, team meeting and study area, as well as new locker room space for umpires and former players who choose to workout in Chapel Hill during the offseason.
In the fall of 2022, the weight room facility at Boshamer Stadium was completely renovated with brand-new, state-of-the-art equipment, lighting, flooring, audio system and nutrition bar. The facility was specifically designed by Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Strength and Conditioning for Basetball Greg Gatz for baseball athletes while optimizing how they train on a daily basis.
In 2020, the entire lower level of Boshamer Stadium, including the locker room, player's lounge and hallways, were upgraded with custom graphics and plaques to honor the accomplishments of former players and the program's rich history of competing at the highest level.Â
Boshamer Stadium has a listed capacity of 4,100 with room for overflow crowds of more than 5,000. There is chairback seating throughout the facility, and fans enjoy clean sightlines throughout the seating bowl, a wide concourse, clean restroom, concession and merchandise facilities. The concourse level also features a Hall of Honor space on the third base line that highlights the history of Carolina Baseball while offering stunning views of the action.Â
A stadium entrance, featuring Steinbrenner Family Courtyard, creates a scenic gateway to the ballpark. While Tar Heel fans enjoy iconic Bryson Field at Boshamer Stadium, the Carolina team has access to state-of-the-art amenities at their disposal as they continue to be one of the top programs in college baseball.
The facility, which is located just 25 feet from Avery Dorm, where most players reside, houses a 2,450-square foot clubhouse complete with a sparkling locker room dressing area, equipment room, conference rooms, a study hall area and a players' lounge that features two massive flat screen televisions, pool and ping pong tables, an Xbox and a PlayStation console.
Players also have access to a video room with the latest Trackman analytical and doppler radar data. In the video room, the Tar Heels can view footage from every practice, scrimmage, at-bat and pitch. The stadium features 13 permanently mounted cameras that record all the action from different angles. Carolina baseball student-athletes also have access to a 2,850-square foot weight room with an adjacent training room that includes a hydro-therapy center with hot and cold plunge pools, as well as an office for the baseball training staff. Also connected to the clubhouse is a covered indoor/outdoor hitting and pitching practice facility. This 6,200-square foot climate controlled, Astroturf area has space for three batting cages, multiple pitching machines, a soft toss and batting tee station and a pitching area with three dirt pitching mounds. The pitching machines located behind each mound will be available to players at all times. The building can also be used for infield work.
The indoor facility is well lit with skylights and has three automatic garage doors on one side of the facility for fresh air and sunlight. It sits just 20 yards from the locker room and is accessible via a hallway for players on rainy days without going outside. Renovations to Bryson Field included upgrades to the playing surface and a state-of-the-art drainage system that is capable of handling upwards of 15 inches of rain per hour. Additional improvements included padded outfield walls and a batters' eye. Astroturf bullpens, equipped with state-of-the-art doppler radar technology, allow the Tar Heel pitching staff real-time analysis to enhance player development.
A brick wall behind home plate and down each line adds to the classic look of the ballpark. Both dugouts are 75 feet long and completed with padded benches and cubbies for each player. The dugouts feature a poured rubber floor with camera wells on each end.
The stadium also features a lighting system that exceeds AAA minor league standards and is on par with the finest professional stadiums. The dimensions of the playing field are 335 feet down the left field line, 370 to left center, 400 to center field, 355 to right center and 340 down the right field line.
In addition to the clubhouse area, playing surface and seating bowl, the upper deck is one of the elite facilities in college baseball. Housed down the third base line are offices for Carolina coaches and staff along with a reception area. Each office features a view of the stadium, as well as a balcony that overlooks the field. Just off the coaches' office area is an 800-square foot patio facing the front of the stadium and Ridge Road. This spot is ideal for entertaining recruits and their families for cookouts on both game days and football games in the fall.
Adjacent to the offices is the main press box, which features two-tiered seating to accommodate the media. Also included in the press area are a fully equipped television booth and two radio booths. This level also features seven suites complete with a kitchen area, indoor stools and seating in front overlooking the playing surface. Four outdoor suites down the right field line with tables and umbrellas are also available for lease.
DIRECTIONS
From Virginia and Points North:
Take I-85 South to Durham, N.C. Exit left at US-15/501 in Durham and follow 15/501 approximately 9 miles to Chapel Hill. Once in Chapel Hill, maintain 15/501 Bypass (Fordham Blvd.). Around the 7th stoplight, turn right on Manning Drive. Continue on Manning until first stoplight. Turn right at light onto Ridge Road. Continue on Ridge Road approximately 1/2 mile until Boshamer Stadium on right.
From Points West:
Take I-85 North towards Durham, N.C. Exit just past Burlington onto NC-54 East (exit #148, Chapel Hill). Follow NC-54 for approximately 20 miles to Carrboro. Go through two stoplights and stay on NC-54 until the next stoplight. Turn left at light onto Manning Drive. Continue on Manning until first stoplight. Turn right at light on to Ridge Road. Continue on Ridge Road approximately 1/2 mile until Boshamer Stadium on right.
From Points East:
Take I-40 West to Chapel Hill. Exit at NC-54 West (exit #273 A) and follow for approximately 4 miles. After the US-15/501 overpass, continue straight on NC-54 until the next stoplight. Turn left at stoplight onto Country Club Road. Make immediate right onto Ridge Road. Continue on Ride Road approximately 1/2 mile until Boshamer Stadium on left.
From Points South:
Take US-15/50 North to Chapel Hill. Exit right onto 15/501 Bypass in Chapel Hill. Turn left at first stoplight onto Manning Drive. Continue on Manning until first stoplight. Turn right at light onto Ridge Road. Continue on Ridge Road approximately 1/2 mile until Boshamer Stadium on right.
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