One of the most picturesque, fan-friendly stadiums in the nation, Melching Field at Conrad Park will enter its 29th season as the home of the Stetson Hatters in 2026. At a cost of $4.5 million, Melching Field was the result of a joint effort between Stetson University, the DeLand Sports Redevelopment Association, and the City of DeLand.
Built on the same site as old Conrad Park, Melching Field opened on Feb. 12, 1999, as the Hatters defeated Louisville 4-3 before an overflow crowd of 2,874 fans. In over 30 seasons, Stetson has built quite a home-field advantage at "The MAC," posting a 607-322 all-time record at Melching Field (.653 winning percentage). The stadium is home to the Hatters, who have appeared in 20 NCAA Regionals, including the unforgettable 2018 season. That year, Stetson posted a 32-3 record at home, led by future MLB First Round Pick Logan Gilbert, and hosted the NCAA Regional, defeating Hartford and Oklahoma State to advance to the program's first-ever Super Regional.
Melching Field has also served as the host stadium for the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament from 2002-09, and after a two-year absence, the event returned to DeLand in 2012. More recently, the field has become the site of the ASUN Baseball Tournament Championship since 2023. Stetson has captured the conference championship the past two seasons and enters 2026 seeking to become the first team in ASUN history to win three straight titles.
Historic moments abound at Melching Field. In 2006, head coach Pete Dunn notched his 1,000th career win in an 11-inning, 6-5 victory over Mercer during the A-Sun Tournament. Two days later, the Hatters celebrated their second consecutive tournament title (sixth overall). In 2003, Stetson tied a school record with 29 home wins, including a 13-game winning streak in March and April, while in 2002, the Hatters captured their 100th program victory in dramatic fashion against Troy State in the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament.
Hatter fans have flocked to Melching Field in record numbers. With more than half a million fans since the stadium opened, Stetson is frequently ranked nationally among college baseball attendance leaders. The all-time single-game attendance record was set on Feb. 27, 2024, when 2,986 fans came out to see Stetson upset the #4-ranked Florida Gators 7-4, surpassing the previous record of 2,975 set on March 20, 2007.
Melching Field features permanent seating for 2,500 spectators, with grass berms accommodating approximately 500 additional fans. A full-service concessions area greets visitors upon entrance on Woodland Boulevard. The stadium is fully handicapped-accessible and offers excellent sightlines from anywhere in the grandstand.
The 2012 season marked the debut of a high-tech scoreboard in left field, complete with a state-of-the-art message center and graphics board, complemented by a $150,000 sound system. A modern lighting system provides ample illumination for televised night games. Additional stadium features include a contemporary press box with two VIP viewing rooms, two radio booths, a television broadcast room, and a dedicated working press area.
Stetson's baseball coaches' offices, a pro-style locker room, and the recently renovated Carlton Family Room player's lounge are also located at Melching Field. Another recent addition is the Brian Snyder Hitting Pavilion, a covered batting area located outside the right-field corner.
The field is named for R. Dale Melching, a 1944 Stetson alumnus, thanks to a $500,000 gift from his widow, Luella Nichols Melching of Coral Gables. A former Hatter cheerleader and lifelong sports fan, Luella Melching said her husband would be proud to see his name on the modern baseball complex. The red brick and stucco facade with a green metal roof mirrors the aesthetic of many campus buildings. The gift is part of the Melching family's long history of support for Stetson and its students, including a leadership role in the development of the $1.6 million Wilson Athletic Center, dedicated in 1997.
