Coppermine Pantherplex - Carroll Lynx
- Richard Smith
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey, and McDaniel College Athletics
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
Coppermine Pantherplex 1400 Panther Dr
Hampstead, MD 21074
Year Opened: 1956
Capacity: 1,000
The Lynx and/or Panther Home
Carroll Community College began its life not as an independent institution, but as a branch campus of Catonsville Community College (now known as the Community College of Baltimore County-Catonsville). In 1992, the Maryland Higher Education Commission directed the campus to begin the process for achieving degree-granting status, and in 1993, Carroll Community College officially became its own accredited, two-year, degree-granting institution. Its campus is located in Westminster, MD, the county seat of Carroll County.
In a significant recent development, Carroll has also embraced a new chapter in its history by adding intercollegiate athletics in 2019. The program started with men's and women's soccer and cross country and has since expanded to include additional sports like volleyball, track & field, and golf. The Lynx compete in the NJCAA Region 20 and the MD JUCO Division 1 Conference.
The building that was formerly North Carroll High School in Hampstead, Maryland, holds a significant place in the community's history. The school, which consolidated Manchester and Hampstead high schools and opened in 1956, served as a central hub for the northern part of Carroll County for decades before it was closed by the school board in 2016 due to declining enrollment. Following its closure, the property was purchased and is now being redeveloped into a multi-purpose sports complex known in part as the Coppermine Pantherplex.
Carroll Community College's athletic program has started to utilize the facility for practices and games, particularly for its volleyball team. The site is also used by various other organizations, including recreation councils and local sports clubs, providing a renewed sense of purpose for the well-known building and its athletic fields.
The Coppermine Pantherplex is located 13 miles from the Carroll campus, and it takes about 20-25 minutes to travel between the locations.
Food & Beverage 0
There are no food offerings in the gym.
Atmosphere 3
We often say that some small colleges essentially play in a high school-quality gym. Well, this is a team that literally plays in a high school gym. Or at least, a former high school gym.
The unique character of this facility is immediately apparent, as it stands as a living testament to its past while simultaneously embracing a new identity. Everywhere you look, the legacy of North Carroll High School is visible, as the faded black and red panther paw prints on the floors exist along with “North Carroll” or “Panthers” branding. However, these historical details now coexist with the vibrant new branding of Carroll Community College. The Carroll Lynx logo and name have been strategically added in key locations.
There is only one grandstand being used for Lynx games, and it is a very old wooden one with no seat backs.
Even the outside of the school says North Carroll High School in spots, with the nearby water tower still displaying the former school's name.
Neighborhood 3
To get from Baltimore’s I-695 to Hampstead, MD, there are a couple of common routes. The most direct way is to take I-795 N (the Northwest Expressway) from I-695. You'll then take Exit 9A towards MD-30 N/Hanover Pike. Follow MD-30 N, which will take you through Reisterstown and into Carroll County. You'll continue on MD-30 N, and it will lead you directly into the town of Hampstead. Another option is to take I-83 N from I-695, then exit onto Shawan Road and follow it to MD-25 N. You'll then take a slight left onto MD-88 W, which eventually leads you to Hampstead.
Before or after an event at the Coppermine Pantherplex, you can find a variety of dining options in Hampstead, most of which are conveniently located along the main road that runs through town. If you're looking for a quick bite, there are several fast-food and casual dining places, including options for sandwiches, subs, and pizza. For those who prefer a sit-down meal, the town has restaurants offering Italian, Mexican, and other American cuisines.
Nearby Westminster, the actual home to Carroll Community College, has many more options than Hampstead. We recommend one of the few Roy Rogers locations.
Fans 2
This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue. The one stand was fairly filled with those fans.
Access 4
Finding the Coppermine Pantherplex entrance at the former North Carroll High School can be a bit tricky, as it's located at the back of the property. The key landmark to look for is the Carroll County Sheriff's Office Training Center and the Carroll County Sheriff's Office K9 unit. The entrance you're seeking is right next to this facility. To get there, you'll need to drive past the main entrance of the former high school on Panther Drive. Continue on Panther Drive until you reach the rear of the complex. There's a sign for the Coppermine Pantherplex and the training center at the entrance, so keep an eye out for it.
Return on Investment 5
There is no price to attend games at Coppermine Pantherplex.
Extras 3
It is interesting to watch games at an old, unused high school with the various branding still existing.
There are still some trophies and photos left over from past Panther teams. You can even visit the panther statue at the entrance to the school on the main road.
Final Thoughts
What a unique experience it is to attend a community college sports event at a venue like the Coppermine Pantherplex, which, as a repurposed high school facility, not only offers a glimpse into the past but also serves as a vibrant hub for both community programs and collegiate athletics, creating a cool and unconventional atmosphere that blends nostalgia with a renewed purpose.
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