Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43
Davenport Field at Disharoon Park
434 Lannigan Ln
Charlottesville, VA 22904
Year Opened: 2002
Capacity: 5,500
Baseball at the Dish
Davenport Field at Disharoon Park opened in 2002, and is the third largest on-campus baseball stadium in the ACC, with a capacity of 5,500. The recent success of UVA baseball over the last decade, including winning the 2015 National Championship, has invigorated the program and fan experience. An $18.6 million renovation in 2018 that expanded the concourse from the left field foul pole to the scoreboard in right field, added 1,000 new seats, and added a field level club, has made Davenport Field one of the finest college ballparks in the country.
Food & Beverage 5
The recent expansion of Disharoon Park has brought additional concession stands and the park offers a wide variety of concessions. There are several local items including the 7 Hills Virginia Cheeseburger ($8), the Devil’s Backbone Bacon Bratwurst ($6), the Taco Trio ($9) and Pulled Pork Nachos ($6). Other favorites include Bojangles’ Chicken Supremes and Seasoned Fries ($8), and the Hebrew National Hot Dog ($4). As far as snack items go, souvenir popcorn is $10 and a popcorn bag is $5. Other snack items are Bavarian soft pretzel ($5, plus $1 for cheese), salted peanuts ($4), and sunflower seeds ($3).
Fountain Pepsi products (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Orange Crush, Sierra Mist, Tropicana Lemonade) are offered for several different prices. One nice deal is the bottomless souvenir soda for $8. A regular sized soda is $4 and a souvenir soda is $5. Bottled Aquafina water is also available for $4.
Atmosphere 4
The atmosphere at Davenport Field is what makes it special. While every game does not sellout, the Wahoo faithful show up, make noise, and the roof makes it extra loud. The stadium is designed like many newer ballparks with all seating (except for outfield bleachers) below an open concourse. All seating in the main grandstands are blue plastic molded seats with cup holders and ample legroom. Seats on either side past the bases are angled slightly towards home plate, which provides better sight lines to fans sitting down the lines. The suites are located above the concourse and provide two rows of outdoor seating in front. Be aware that the roof covers the majority of seating between the dugouts. This is great on a warm day to provide shade, but can become very cold on cool days.
Davenport Field is a large ballpark that is 332 feet to left and right field, 370 feet to the power alleys, and 404 feet to center field. A large video board is located in right-center field that provides video replays and the traditional line score. In left-center field is the Keswick indoor clubhouse (with outdoor seating) that provides a corporate hospitality area. Above the left field are wooden general admission bleachers. Field level suites are located down the first baseline past the UVA dugout. A large tiered grassy berm is located on the third base side past the dugout. Many fans will bring their chairs and line them above the berm.
Neighborhood 5
Disharoon Park is located on the picturesque University of Virginia campus, which was designed by President Thomas Jefferson. Monticello, Jefferson’s home, is also located just a few miles from campus and is great spot to visit if in town for a couple days. Michie’s Tavern is located nearby Monticello, and features a hearty midday buffet lunch based on 18th century southern recipes in their rustic dining room. If you are looking for an area to eat, shop, and just walk around, make your way to downtown Charlottesville. This area offers many local eateries and shop, and is an overall nice place to stroll around on game day.
If you enjoy the outdoors, there are many mountain activities around Charlottesville including hiking and camping. Also located in Charlottesville is the popular Carter Mountain Orchard, where you can buy fresh apples and enjoy a great view overlooking Charlottesville.
Fans 4
UVA fans know their baseball and are a passionate bunch. While crowds may be lower during early season midweek games when there is bad weather, they typically show up in force for weekend series. The stadium quickly sells out when it hosts NCAA regional and super-regional games. Expect crowds of 3,000 to 4,000 for a typical ACC weekend series. The Wahoo baseball faithful are into the game and give their team a decisive home-field advantage.
Access 4
Charlottesville is located right off of Interstate 64, about 1 hour west of Richmond. Davenport Field is located on campus but is fairly easy to access from US 29 and US 250. Free parking is available on game days at John Paul Jones Arena, which is about a five minute walk to the ballpark. If it is your first time, you may have a hard time finding Davenport Field as it sits behind the track and field facility and Klockner Stadium (soccer and lacrosse stadium). However, the ticket window and main gate sits near Copeley Road in front Klockner Stadium. Both the ticket staff and security personnel are friendly. Keep in mind that there is a clear-bag policy, though. Once inside the gate, just follow the sidewalk behind Klockner Stadium into the left field entrance of Davenport Field.
There a wide concourse above the seats which allows you to walk around nearly the entire ballpark. Restrooms and concessions areas are on the main concourse. Handicap accessible seating is also located on the concourse above the seating bowl.
Return on Investment 5
Ticket prices range from $5 for general admission to $10 for reserved when purchased in advance, and $8 to $12 when purchased on game day. Parking and game programs are free, and concession prices are reasonable. This is a great bargain to see some of the best baseball in the country at a beautiful ballpark.
Extras 3
A huge extra point for the angled seats toward home plate that are present down the lines past the bases. This enables fans to have a better view of home plate without having to constantly turn their necks.
Another extra point is the standing room areas in right field above the home bullpen. These areas have “drink rails” and offer a great vantage point of the playing field.
A final extra point for a family restroom that has diaper changing areas.
Final Thoughts
Recent renovations at Davenport Field have turned a nice ballpark into a great one. It now has all the amenities of a state of the art ballpark, and offers some of the highest quality baseball in the nation. A visit to Davenport Field is a must, and will not leave you disappointed!