Last Monday afternoon, Stetson University Director of Athletics Jeff Altier finalized an extension of the lease agreement with the City of DeLand for use of Melching Field.
 
The lease extension agreement will keep the Stetson Baseball program at Melching Field for home contests through the 2042 season.
 
"This lease agreement is really a partnership which allows Stetson and the City of DeLand to do more than we each could do separately," Altier said. "It not only provides the residents of DeLand with a nationally-ranked hometown team, but also nationally televised events and tournaments which bring exposure, visitors and tremendous revenue to our community."
 
In addition to extending a partnership between the University and the City that dates back decades at the site of Melching Field, the agreement also spells out upgrades to the facility that will commence following the completion of the 2022 season.
 
"This lease is a wonderful example of how community facilities can be enhanced for local residents, and the University, at a fraction of what it would cost to do so separately," Altier said. "Stetson has begun a fundraising campaign to pay for half of the $6 million construction cost, and another $1 million to endow the annual rental payment to the City.  All told, Stetson will need to raise $4 million over the coming six months to fund this project.
 
The agreement calls on Stetson and the City to each cover fifty percent of the planned renovation project. The project will include upgrades to amenities, both on and off the field of play, including:

• Replacing the chain-link outfield fencing with padded safety fencing
• Replacing all chairback and bleacher seating within the facility with new chairback seats
• Installing a sun shade system to provide shading for an estimated 70% of the grandstand area
• Installation of a new video scoreboard
• Moving the bullpens to locations beyond the outfield fencing
• Replacing stadium lighting with LED lights
• Updating of concessions areas
• Replace stadium public address and speaker systems
• Renovation of public restroom facilities
• Renovation of pressbox, including City of DeLand suite and operations areas
• Installation of three rows of additional seating at field level behind home plate
• Construction of new seating and pavilion area down the third base line where current bullpen is located
• Redesign ADA ramps into the seating areas
• Expand equipment maintenance storage area
• Renovate visiting team locker room and shower areas
• Renovate entire playing surface to include new irrigation and drainage
• Paint and seal the entire facility 

The work to upgrade the facility is scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the 2023 Stetson Baseball season.
 
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS. Get in on the conversation on social media by following Stetson Athletics on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For video content, visit our YouTube channels: Stetson Hatters, Stetson Athletics and, for live events, Hatter Vision.