Stetson University Athletics

One of the most picturesque, fan-friendly stadiums in the nation, Melching Field at Conrad Park enters its 21st season as the home of the Stetson Hatters.

Built at a cost of $4.5 million, Melching Field was the result of a joint effort between Stetson University, 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 20 seasons, the Hatters have built quite a home field advantage at “The MAC”. Stetson is 468-254 all-time at Melching Field, good for a .648 winning percentage. That mark included a record 32-3 mark in 2018.

Melching Field has also served as the host stadium for the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament from 2002-09, 2012, 2013, 2017 and will host that event again this spring.

In addition to the 11 conference tournaments the facility has hosted, in 2018 Melching Field was selected as one of 16 NCAA Regional Tournament sites for the first time.

Hatter fans have flocked to Melching Field in record numbers. A record of 61,798 spectators passed through the gates in 2007.

Melching Field features permanent seating for 2,500 spectators with grass berms holding approximately 500 additional fans.

A full-service concessions area greets visitors upon their entrance to the park on Woodland Boulevard. The stadium is completely handicapped accessible and features excellent sight lines from anywhere in the grandstand.

The 2012 season marked the debut of a new scoreboard in left field, equipped with a video graphics board.

The Stetson baseball coaches’ offices, newly renovated for 2019, are also located in Melching Field at Conrad Park, in addition to a beautifully renovated locker room, which is adjacent to the Carlton Family Room, a player’s lounge, which was renovated prior to the 2018 season.

Melching Field also includes the Brian Snyder Hitting Pavilion, a covered batting area located outside of the right field corner.

Stetson University alumna Luella Nichols Melching of Coral Gables donated $500,000 to name the field in honor of her late husband R. Dale Melching.

R. Dale Melching, a member of the Stetson class of 1944, was a student-athlete, playing varsity baseball and basketball and, in 1978, was inducted into the Stetson Sports Hall of Fame.

Luella Nichols Melching, a Hatter cheerleader during her Stetson years and lifelong sports fan, said her husband would be proud to see the family name on the field at the modern baseball complex. With a red brick and stucco facade and green metal roof, the stadium at Conrad Park resembles many buildings on Stetson’s campus. 

The $500,000 gift was another chapter in the Melching family’s history of support for Stetson and its students. They took a leadership role in the development of Stetson’s Wilson Athletic Center, a $1.6 million facility named for Pat and Patricia Wilson and dedicated in December, 1997. 

Baseball Fan Guide

Hatters Fans Code of Conduct
Stetson Hatter fans are encouraged to wear green and white to the games and enthusiastically support the team. Our goal is to create a championship experience with integrity, while exhibiting good sportsmanship and maintaining a safe and respectful atmosphere for our teams and fans to enjoy. The Hatter image is not only shaped by our student-athletes, coaches, students, and faculty, but by our great fans.
In the spirit of sportsmanship, Hatter fans shall:

• Conduct themselves in a manner that represents their University, the A-SUN Conference, and the NCAA with honor, dignity, and respect
• Not use vulgar, abusive, racist, sexist, demeaning, or intimidating language at any time
• Support the players, coaches, and officials in a positive manner
• Treat the visiting team, coaches, and fans with courtesy and respect at all times
• Demonstrate the qualities of civility and sportsmanship at all times
• Not engage in cheers that are vulgar, crass, or demeaning
• Refrain from throwing objects onto the field for any reason
• Not become inebriated or belligerent
• Refrain from entering the playing field at any time, including after the game
• Be a positive role model for those around them by treating others with courtesy and respect

• Outside food and drinks, coolers, thermoses, and alcoholic beverages of any kind
• Aerosol and spray cans
• Illegal drugs, weapons, mace/mace pepper spray
• Umbrellas
• Folding chairs
• Brooms
• Strollers
• Video cameras, cameras with lenses over 6", recording devices, selfie sticks, drones
• Strobe lights, laser pointers
• Artificial noisemakers, inflatables
• Flags and unauthorized banners/signs
• Pets **with the exception of service animals**
  • Dogs will be allowed on special promotional days, as designated by Stetson Athletics. 

 All persons are subject to search. One sealed bottle of water per person is allowed into Melching Field.  All contents in open containers will be asked to be poured out prior to entry of the stadium.

Tobacco Policy
Smoking and the use of all tobacco products is prohibited in all Stetson University facilities as well as surrounding property owned, leased, or controlled by the University. These restrictions apply to all areas of Melching Field at Conrad Park. Electronic cigarettes are subject to the same rules and restrictions as all other forms of tobacco.

Trash/Recycling
The University conveniently places receptacles for the disposal of trash and other items throughout Melching Field at Conrad Park. Recycling receptacles are located at stadium gates and throughout the facility. Please help us keep the area enjoyable by disposing of all trash and recyclable items into appropriate containers.  Go Green!

Gates
The main gate, located next to the ticket office will open 1 hour prior.

Political Materials & Solicitations
Distribution of political stickers, brochures, and other promotional items is strictly forbidden on properties owned or being leased by the University. Violations will result in the surrender and disposal of said items by University officials.

Vendors
Soliciting or vending of any goods or services is strictly prohibited in the lots owned or leased by the Athletics Department on game day.

Parking
Parking season passes and public game day parking are available on a limited basis around Melching Field at Conrad Park.
    Handicapped Parking
    Handicapped parking is available around Melching Field at Conrad park and is on a first-come, first serve basis.  Other parking lots around the field have available parking as well.  Please display pass     for parking.

Handicapped Seating
Melching Field at Conrad Park is ADA accessible with handicapped and wheelchair seating located along the concourse level. Persons needing ADA seating on an individual game basis must contact the Athletics Ticket Office at (386) 738-HATS (4287). Limited seating is available and sold on a first come first serve basis.

Guest Services/Ushers
For your convenience, event staff/ ushers are located on the concourse level throughout the facility.

Lost and Found
Lost and found for Melching Field at Conrad Park will be on the main concourse level at marketing table. Call (386) 822-8111 for assistance or public safety office at (386) 822-7300.

Inclement Weather
In the event that inclement weather approaches Melching Field at Conrad Park, public announcements will be made to update fans on the situation. Should a lightning strike occur within 8 miles of the stadium, play will be stopped immediately. Play will resume thirty minutes after the last strike to occur within the 8-mile threat radius. Fans are encouraged to exit the venue and seek shelter in their vehicles during weather delays. All ticket stubs should be kept for re-entry into the ballpark. Updates may also be communicated via athletics website (gohatters.com), or on Hatter social media platforms.