As you enter the gates of Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium, the smell of hotdogs and the sound of metal bats smashing baseballs assault your senses. The perfect green grass contrasts brightly against the red clay infield of Tom and Lib Phillips Field. Behind the wooden outfield fence, 390 feet from home plate, the American flag silently waves over the home of the Charlotte 49ers baseball team.
The 49ers played their first game at Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium on March 30, 2007. There were 1135 fans in attendance to watch the 49ers defeat the University of Massachusetts Amherst Minutemen 3-1.
Aaron Bray, former third basemen for the 49ers, said his favorite memory of the stadium was the first game the team played there. “It was a positive addition to our program,” said Bray. “Our record at home since the stadium has opened is great, and we have the Athletic Department, fans and the students to thank for that.”
Ryan Rose, assistant director of media relations, said the 49ers are 65-22 (74.7 percent) since the park opened. The 2007 season was a successful year for the 49ers. “All the things we accomplished in 2007 were special, and I believe it started with the stadium,” said Bray. The 49ers won the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship and won the first regional play-off game in school history. Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium accommodates a capacity of 3,000 fans: 550 chair-backed seats in the lower level and 550 bleacher seats in the upper level, as well as lawn seating along the left and right field foul lines.
The 49er green press box sits directly above the concession stand, behind home plate and between the upper and lower levels. The press box contains two radio booths, one television booth and a conference room, as well as the operations center to conduct scoreboard and public address operations. Former 49ers baseball players and teams are displayed throughout the press box facility.
The main hospitality suite, the Erik Walker Suite, folds out from the right side of the press box and includes a sun deck with covered patio tables, along with an inside suite featuring stadium-style seating. The suite is named in honor of former 49ers baseball standout Erik Walker. He tragically lost his life in a canoeing accident during the fall of 2006. An additional hospitality suite folds out from the left side of the press box.
Athletic Operations Manager Cass Ferguson works to improve the stadium and fix any problems. He is currently planning the installation of a TV and DVD player into the third base hospitality suite so players can watch films, as well as create an alternative meeting space for teams.
According to Ferguson, the Erik Walker Suite is a fan favorite and a personal favorite. “I like it because it has all of his (Walker) pictures in there, as well as a framed jersey,” said Ferguson. “I think it is the best place to watch the game from. Everyone says that.” The suite is also very special to Ferguson since he and Walker grew up together.
Junior first baseman for the 49ers, Ryan Rivers, said the stadium was the selling point in his decision to attend UNC Charlotte. “The walk up music, the stands and the press box make me feel like I’m in a professional stadium,” said Rivers. “My favorite part of the stadium is the fact I can smell the hot dogs and burgers cooking during the game.”
Miguel Rodriquez, sophomore catcher for the 49ers, loves every part of the stadium. “Hearing the crowd, the music and everyone cheering for you is awesome,” he said. “I love when I’m on second base and I can see our stadium and our fans. I like our stadium set-up and how the fans look very close to the field. You can really feel the crowd.”
Charlotte 49ers head coach Loren Hibbs said the stadium created “a positive work environment” that has helped improve his team’s performance.
“Honestly, our previous facility was a real negative for our program, our athletic depsartment and our institution,” he said. “We have corrected it in a positive manner and now have a stadium we can all be proud of.”
According to Darin Spease, Senior Associate Athletic Director for the Charlotte 49ers, the stadium is unique because it was not modeled after any other stadium. The beginning sketches of the stadium only included basic seating and a press box, because there was not enough money to build the facility that stands today.
“We revisited the issue and had to think about what we wanted for baseball in the future,” said Spease. “It (the stadium) is made so it can be expanded, and that’s from a homemade idea at the beginning.”
There is one recurring complaint about the stadium. “The concession stand line is a problem talked about by all of us,” said Elizabeth Knips, Assistant Director of Ticket Operations. The line blocks the main gate and causes congestion during the game. “There are always things you wish you could have done differently when building, but you live and learn!”
Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium was named after the late Mariam Cannon Hayes, a local philanthropist who donated a major monetary gift which made the refurbishing of the 49ers stadium possible.
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