DELAND, Fla. – The City of DeLand and Stetson University Athletics will be hosting a ceremonial ribbon cutting for Melching Field at Conrad Park on Saturday, February 11^th.  Gates will open to the public at 5:30 p.m., with the ribbon cutting ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. 
 
The ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates the completion of an $8 million renovation project making Melching Field at Conrad Park one of the elite college baseball facilities in the country.  Fans will be greeted outside the gates by members of the 2023 Stetson baseball team who will be available for an autograph session. The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin with a performance by the Stetson University Men's Choir and include remarks by city and university officials including Rick Hall, Parks & Recreation Director, Mayor Chris Cloudman, Stetson University President Chris Roellke, Athletic Director Jeff Altier and Hatter Head Baseball Coach Steve Trimper. The ribbon cutting ceremony will culminate with a video and light show.
 
The recent renovations to Melching Field at Conrad Park highlight a continued partnership between the City of DeLand and Stetson University's athletic program that dates back to the original construction of Melching Field which opened its gates on February 12, 1999. Over the past year, the Home of the Hatters underwent a complete renovation of the playing surface that includes a new irrigation system as well as synthetic turf outside of the playing surface providing a more consistent playing experience. The outfield was made shorter, and padded to protect players, while also providing the opportunity to increase the number of home runs. Fans will enjoy a new sound system, state of the art videoboard, as well as an energy efficient LED field lighting system that features an entertainment option providing a light show throughout home games. Chairback seating with cupholders have been added throughout the stadium, and premium seating areas include field level seats, drink rail seats and low top half-moon table seats with swivel chairs.
The bullpens have moved to the outfield and replacing them along the first and third baseline are seating solutions that can be reserved for special events. These areas include high top chairs, picnic tables, an outdoor kitchen, a grassy berm and a student section.
 
One of the most picturesque, fan-friendly stadiums in the nation, Melching Field at Conrad Park enters its 24^th season as home of the Stetson University baseball program.  "The Mac" has provided the Hatters a home field advantage while also serving as a NCAA Regional Tournament site and a 12-time host stadium for the ASUN Tournament. Stetson's baseball program will open its season at Melching Field on Friday, February 17^th at 6:30 p.m.
 
Season and individual game tickets are available online at www.gohatters.com/tix or through the Hatter Ticket Office by calling 386-738-HATS(4287) and via email: Hattertickets@stetson.edu
 
For information about Melching Field corporate tables, sponsorships and game day event space rental, please contact Assistant Athletic Director Jon Hansen at jwhansen@stetson.edu
 
Media inquiries should be directed to Assistant Director of Athletic Communications, Joseph Ashley at jmashley@stetson.edu
 
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 (PDF). 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.