Auburn set for $30 million renovation of Plainsman Park

Auburn set for $30 million renovation of Plainsman Park

Auburn will soon begin a $30 million renovation of Plainsman Park, a project expected to be completed in stages at various points from 2024-26.

The Jackson, Miss., firm of CDFL Architects + Engineers is directing the project, which is set to begin in July according to an Auburn athletic department announcement. The facelift will include the addition of three new “premium” clubs, seating space atop the left field “War Eagle Wall,” additional seating for students in right-center field, expansion of the stadium concourses and improved team meeting and training facilities.

“This renovation is a vital part of enhancing the Auburn baseball experience at Plainsman Park for our donors, fans, students and most importantly our student-athletes,” Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen said. “The scope of these enhancements will touch all areas and help make the gameday experience uniquely Auburn.

“Coach (Butch) Thompson has led the program to unprecedented heights, and this renovation is possible because of his stewardship. Without the support of the Board of Trustees and our incredible donors and loyal fan base, this project would not be possible. We are extremely appreciative of their commitment to the future of Auburn baseball.”

Plainsman Park opened in 1998 on the site of Samford Stadium-Hitchcock Field, on which the Tigers have played for more than 70 years. There have been numerous upgrades over the years, including the addition of a state-of-the-art video message and replay board in 2017 and the Josh Donaldson Hitting Lab in 2021.

Auburn has enjoyed high level success under Thompson, reaching an NCAA Super Regional in 2018 and advancing to the College World Series in both 2019 and 2022. The Tigers hosted a regional for the second straight year this past season, losing their first two games to finish the season 34-23-1.

“Made possible by the contributions and efforts of many, this project couldn’t come at a better time for our program,” Thompson said. “We’ve been to five of the last six regionals, three of the four super regionals in our program’s history, two College World Series, had a No. 1 overall draft pick, built a statue for the only Hall of Famer in the history of our great league, hosted back-to-back regionals for the first time ever, set consecutive attendance records, and the list goes on.

“This project is a major brick in the wall and continues the momentum all parties of our program, including our coaches, staff, players, donors and fan base, have helped create the last few years.”

Here’s a closer look at the planned upgrades and renovations to Plainsman Park:

Hall of Fame Club — A tribute to Auburn legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Frank Thomas, the Hall of Fame Club adds 113 premium, leather seats at field level and will be completed for the 2024 season. Members will have access to a climate-controlled club space with food, drinks, television, restrooms and indoor seating. Season-ticket holders throughout Plainsman Park will be able to add the Hall of Fame Club to their ticket package.

Plainsman Patio and First Base Club — A three-story structure adjacent to Plainsman Park will including indoor and outdoor viewing areas, new concession offerings and expanded restrooms, and will be completed for the 2025 season. The Plainsman Patio will include expanded standing room space and a new walk-in “concession market.” The First Base Club will include 200 new seats, “elevated food and beverage options,” and private restrooms. The First Base Club will also overlook the football team’s “Tiger Walk” on game days.

Home Plate Club — The existing press box will be relocated to the third level of the first base club prior to the 2025 season, leaving space for a “high-end,” climate-controlled club with seating for 50 atop the home plate grandstand, with food, drink and restrooms.

War Eagle Wall — A general admission seating space atop the left-field wall will be added in time for the 2025 season.

Right Field Student Experience — The current standing room area beyond the right-field fence will be enhanced and expanded, including the addition of an elevated platform for students for the 2024 season.

Team spaces — The Tim Hudson Locker Room will be renovated and expanded. Auburn will also add a new bullpen and pitching lab, a new weight room and nutrition area, plus a new team meeting room and coaches’ offices. These projects will be completed in 2025 and 2026.

Pricing for the new seating areas is still being finalized. Interested parties should fill out a “premium interest form” by clicking HERE.