A new era is taking shape at Vanderbilt University, where construction crews have begun a major expansion of Hawkins Field, home to one of college baseball’s most dominant programs. The work marks the latest milestone in Vandy United, the university’s sweeping plan to transform its athletic facilities and create spaces that reflect its championship pedigree.
The project will expand and upgrade roughly 50,000 square feet of the ballpark, introducing new amenities for fans and advanced training spaces for student-athletes. For a program that has set the standard in collegiate baseball under head coach Tim Corbin, the improvements signal Vanderbilt’s intent to stay ahead in both performance and experience.
“Tim Corbin’s VandyBoys set the bar for excellence, and with Vandy United, we’re bringing that same standard to Hawkins Field,” said Candice Storey Lee, vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director. “This transformation is central to our vision for facilities that match our aspirations and enrich Nashville’s thriving sports community.”
Investing in Player Development
At the core of the project is a focus on athlete growth and performance. More than 10,000 square feet of the new footprint will be dedicated to a state-of-the-art weight room and pitching lab, giving players access to cutting-edge resources for training and recovery.
The expansion also builds on a long tradition of alumni generosity. A 2016 donation from former Commodore and Cy Young Award winner David Price helped fund the current hitting facilities and alumni locker room. This time, an anonymous Vanderbilt baseball alumnus and his alumna spouse have pledged to match up to $10 million in gifts from other former players—a testament to the enduring connection between past and present generations of VandyBoys.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has supported this project—and especially to our former players who nurture the sense of family that makes our program successful,” Corbin said. “We couldn’t fulfill our mission of developing these young men without the support of this community.”
Vanderbilt’s project is part of a growing trend across U.S. colleges and universities, where private donations are driving large-scale campus investments. Recently, Colby College secured a record $150 million gift to expand its science and technology facilities, while DePauw University received an $80 million pledge to build a new athletic stadium and sports performance center.
A Better Experience for Fans
Vanderbilt’s baseball fans, who filled 97 percent of Hawkins Field’s capacity during the 2025 season, will also see dramatic improvements. Two new hospitality spaces—the Party Deck 360 Bar on the main concourse and the 60 ft. 6 Bar on the upper level—will offer social gathering areas totaling more than 6,500 square feet. A new Taste of Nashville Market will showcase local food favorites through portable carts placed throughout the stadium.
The Vanderbilt Athletics ticket office and the National Commodore Club will work with season ticket holders to adjust seating during construction, ensuring continuity while upgrades are underway. The university confirmed that the VandyBoys will continue to play at Hawkins Field during the 2026 season, even as the project progresses.
A Cornerstone of the Frist Athletics Village
The Hawkins Field expansion is part of the broader Frist Athletics Village, a long-term campus development plan that also includes upgrades to football, basketball, and multi-sport venues. Together, these projects represent one of the largest athletic infrastructure investments in Vanderbilt’s history.
Opened in 2002, Hawkins Field has become synonymous with college baseball success—home to two national titles (2014, 2019), multiple SEC championships, and dozens of MLB alumni. The forthcoming upgrades aim to preserve that legacy while ensuring the ballpark remains a premier destination for players and fans alike.
Hawkins Field Expansion — Project Snapshot
Announced: October 17, 2025
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
Scope: 50,000 sq. ft. of new/ upgraded facilities
Player Spaces: 10,000-sq.-ft. weight room and pitching lab
Fan Features: Party Deck 360 Bar, 60 ft. 6 Bar, Taste of Nashville Market
Funding: Alumni matching gifts up to $10 million; includes contributions from former players like David Price
Operational Status: Stadium remains active during the 2026 season
