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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Oxford-University Stadium/ Swayze Field
1/14/2010 | Baseball
Construction of the $3.75 million stadium was completed in October, 1988, while landscaping and touch-up work was finished through the course of the 1989 season and through the summer months.
The stadium's first action saw the Rebels sweep a doubleheader from Cumberland University on a bitter cold day, February 19, 1989. Still, a crowd of 1,016 braved the elements to be a part of that historic day in the school's baseball history.
Ole Miss officially dedicated its new home on April 22, 1989, with a ceremony attended by many dignitaries, including Hall of Famer Whitey Ford and Ole Miss great Archie Manning. A sellout crowd of 2,967 attended and watched the Rebels down Kentucky, 4-3.
Following the multi-million dollar renovations prior to the 2009 season, gameday at Swayze Field continues to provide fans of college baseball one of the best experiences outside of the College World Series.
The ballpark has grown and undergone changes since it's original opening date. A seating area was added beyond the right field fence in 1993, where hundreds of students have become accustomed to spending their sunny spring afternoons at the ballpark.
The outfield area has since undergone another transformation as a left field and right field lounge area was constructed during the 2000 season. The area, which is complete with picnic tables and barbecue stands was expanded again prior to the 2007 season.
In the fall of 2003, a new 6,800-square foot indoor hitting facility was added to the ballpark and the indoor batting tunnel underneath the first base stands has become an indoor pitching area.
Beginning with the 2006 season, the park received a new scoreboard which contains a large video board capable of showing highlights and replays throughout the course of the game. Then completed in front of the stadium was a new office suite to house the Rebel baseball coaching staff and support staff for the program.
The 2009 renovations to O-U Stadium have added a new club suite level as well as a new press box down the third base line. The grandstands were also extended down both baselines with new box seats and grandstand seating.
On the third base side of the stadium, 2009 brought the Rebels a new locker room and lounge, as well as a brand new team room with theater style seating and audio-visual equipment. Also included is a new training room.
SWAYZE FIELD
Upon completion in 1989, the new Ole Miss baseball field was fittingly named Swayze Field in honor of the late Tom Swayze, one of the great legends in Ole Miss history. A three-year letterman in baseball at Ole Miss, Swayze later became head coach of the Ole Miss program. During his 21-year tenure at the helm of Ole Miss from 1950-1971, Swayze compiled a 361-201-2 record, which gives him a .642 winning percentage, tied with current head coach Mike Bianco for the best winning percentage in school history. Swayze led Ole Miss to three NCAA College World Series appearances and four SEC Championships.
ATTENDANCE RECORDS (entering 2010 season)
SEASON
Total - 273,111 during 39 dates; 2009
Average - 7,002 during 39 dates; 2009
| THREE-DATE SERIES | ||
| 29,646 | vs. Virginia | June 5-7, 2009 |
| 26,929 | vs. Georgia | April 24-26, 2009 |
| 26,075 | vs. Texas | June 11-13, 2005 |
| 26,025 | vs. Miami | June 10-13, 2006 |
| 23,831 | vs. LSU | May 21-23, 2004 |
| SINGLE GAME | ||
| Virginia | June 6, 2009 | 10,323 |
| Alabama | April 9, 2005 | 10,119 |
| Virginia | June 7, 2009 | 10,110 |
| Georgia | April 25, 2009 | 9,478 |
| LSU | April 12, 2008 | 9,412 |
| Tennessee | April 17, 2004 | 9,260 |
| Georgia | April 24, 2009 | 9,232 |
| Virginia | June 5, 2009 | 9,213 |
| Miami | June 10 2006 | 9,202 |
| Miami | June 11 2006 | 9,139 |
| Texas | June 12, 2005 | 8,974 |
| Mississippi State | May 8, 2009 | 8,907 |
| Texas | June 12, 2005 | 8,791 |
| LSU | May 22, 2004 | 8,574 |
| Texas | June 13, 2005 | 8,336 |
