Chappell Park – Emory Eagles

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57

Chappell Park 701 Peavine Creek Drive Atlanta, GA 30322

Emory Eagles website

Chappell Park website

Year Opened: 1995

Capacity: 500

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Fly Higher

Tucked into Atlanta’s Druid Hills neighborhood is the campus of Emory University. Known for its academic excellence, athletics still plays a meaningful role in Emory’s campus culture.

Baseball at Emory has roots stretching back to the early 1900s, though the program went dormant for a period before returning in 1991. However, it wasn’t until 1995 that the Eagles finally gained an on-campus home field in Chappell Park – the facility was funded through the generosity of alumnus Robert E. Chappell, Jr., and dedicated in honor of his father, Robert E. Chappell, Sr.

While Emory may not be known for producing many professional baseball players, its connection to the sport runs deep; Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell is an Emory alum, as is John Dowd, the attorney who led the investigation into Pete Rose’s betting scandal.

Emory competes in the NCAA’s Division III as part of the University Athletic Association (UAA), a conference formed in 1986. The UAA includes institutions across Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, all highly regarded for their academic rigor.

Food & Beverage   1

There is a small concession table at the entrance to Chappell Park, offering only basic snack options such as chips and candy, as well as a few beverages like Coke, Diet Coke, and Dasani bottled water. A vending machine here might be a better fit, simply due to its ability to provide a wider range of choices.

Atmosphere   2

Upon entering Chappell Park, fans are greeted by a cluster of crepe myrtles that make up a small picnic area. The park is a cozy, intimate venue featuring a single section of built-in bleachers behind home plate that are adjacent to the picnic tables behind the third base side of the field. The first base side does not have permanent seating, though it does offer the most shade – fans on that side typically bring tailgating chairs or lean against the baseball office wall. Some fans also choose to sit on the stone wall outside of the stadium, which runs along the left field line.

A traditional inning-by-inning scoreboard sits just beyond the right-center field fence. The field dimensions run slightly short of typical collegiate standards, with the foul lines at 325 feet, the gaps at 370 feet, and centerfield at 395 feet. Overall, the field seems to play fair.

The game presentation is as minimalist as it gets. There are no between-inning promotions, sponsor ads, nor walk-up music – just baseball. In true traditionalist fashion, Chappell Park also has no lights, meaning all games are played during the day.

Neighborhood   4

Emory is in Atlanta’s Druid Hills neighborhood, just to the east of downtown Atlanta. Chappell Park is backdropped by Emory’s Greek housing beyond the centerfield fence and around left field, with the towers of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention behind home; it is certainly a prominent reminder of the connection between the university and the high-level work being done just feet away.

The area immediately surrounding Emory feels more like a small college town than a section of a major city. Just east of campus Emory Village offers a few restaurants, cafes, and shops, while to the north, Emory Point adds even more options, including The General Muir, one of Atlanta’s most highly regarded delis. A short drive away, Decatur’s town square provides a livelier college town vibe with more food, drink, and entertainment options – the city of Decatur’s town square is only a short drive away from Chappell Park.

Located just over six miles from downtown Atlanta, there is no shortage of attractions. One of the closest is the Fernbank Museum, which features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a trail through a 75-acre forest.

Fans   2

Even with an on-campus location, fan support for Emory baseball seems to be limited. Emory’s reputation as an elite academic institution draws students, and student-athletes, from across the country and around the globe, but as a result, smaller crowds are the norm, and visiting fans often outnumber Eagles supporters.

Access   3

Without stadium lights, home games need to start at 3 pm, and this early start time helps fans avoid the worst of traffic before the game – the return trip, however, often coincides with Atlanta’s evening commute.

Parking here is also a bit of a challenge; the Peavine Parking Deck is the recommended location, but it requires a bit of a walk to the field. Many fans opt to park along Peavine Creek Drive, though it is unclear whether these spots are sanctioned spots, due to an absence of signage.

Return on Investment   4

There’s no charge to attend Emory baseball games, and parking in the recommended decks costs $8. Considering admission is free, it is a very reasonable outing overall.

Extras   2

The outfield fence displays the Eagles UAA and South Region championship titles, as well as the retired number 4 of Clyde “Doc” Partin, a former physical education professor at Emory who was instrumental in the growth of the school’s athletic programs.

Behind the grandstand along the back walkway are four seats from the 1996 Olympic games, which were held in Atlanta. While there is no signage explaining their significance, it is a nice nod to both Emory’s and the city’s Olympic legacy.

Final Thoughts

Chappell Park may not have all the bells and whistles of larger college ballparks, but it offers a charming, traditional baseball experience in a beautiful collegiate setting. Emory’s blend of academic prestige, athletic tradition, and neighborhood charm makes for a low key, yet enjoyable, afternoon at the ballpark.