Clark–LeClair Stadium

Clark–LeClair Stadium is a baseball park located on the campus of East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. It is the home field of the East Carolina Pirates of the American Athletic Conference. The stadium was named after Pirate alumnus and contributor Bill Clark and former Pirates coach Keith LeClair. ECU's current head coach is Cliff Godwin.

Clark-LeClair Stadium
Center field in 2016
Full nameLewis Field at
Clark-LeClair Stadium[1]
Location9999 Charles Boulevard
Greenville, North Carolina
Coordinates35.5933°N 77.3673°W / 35.5933; -77.3673
OwnerEast Carolina University
OperatorEast Carolina University
Capacity6,000
Record attendance6,003 vs North Carolina
(February 25, 2023)[2]
Field sizeLeft:      320 feet (98 m)
Center: 390 feet (119 m)
Right:   320 feet (98 m)[1]
SurfaceBermuda Turf
Construction
Built2004–05
OpenedMarch 4, 2005
Construction cost$11 million
ArchitectWalter, Robbs,
Callahan & Pierce
Tenants
East Carolina Pirates (NCAA) (2005–present)
C-USA tournament (2007)
Greenville is located in the United States
Greenville
Greenville
Location in the United States
Greenville is located in North Carolina
Greenville
Greenville
Location in North Carolina

The stadium has 3,000 stadium bleacher seats, plus space for several thousand more spectators in "The Jungle." There are concession and restroom facilities at the stadium, plus a family picnic area. Amenities include the Pirate Club fundraising and hospitality suite and a private suite for the LeClair family. The venue was built with $11 million in private donations.

The playing surface consists of Celebration Bermuda turf with a clay base infield and crushed-brick warning track. New lights were included in the construction of the stadium that meet all television specifications. Facilities include indoor and outdoor batting cages, a VIP booth, coach's offices, and a player clubhouse, as well as state-of-the-art broadcast facilities.

The dimensions of the outfield are 320 feet (98 m) down the foul lines and 390 feet (119 m) to center field.[1] The diamond has an unorthodox northwesterly alignment (home plate to center field); the recommended orientation is east-northeast.[3] The elevation of the field is approximately 70 feet (21 m) above sea level.

The stadium is home to the 2007 ECU Invitational[4] and Keith LeClair Classic[5] The Pirates consistently rank in the top thirty among Division I baseball programs in attendance.[6]

Events

The stadium hosted the Conference USA tournament in 2007, won by Rice,[7] and the Regionals of the NCAA tournament in 2009, 2018, 2019, and 2021.

Facts
  • Largest crowd — 6,003 vs UNC on February 23, 2023 won by East Carolina 6-5
  • First game — ECU vs. Michigan on March 4, 2005,[1] won by East Carolina 2–1.

See also

References
  1. "LEWIS FIELD AT CLARK-LeCLAIR STADIUM". ECU Athletics. Archived from the original on March 14, 2009. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  2. "Brandt And Pirates Blank No. 1 Tar Heels, 4-0". ECU Athletics. 2009-04-23. Retrieved 2009-04-23.
  3. "Official Baseball Rules: 2.01 Layout of the Field" (PDF). Major League Baseball. 2018. p. 2.
  4. "2007 ECU Invitational". ECU Athletics. Archived from the original on 2009-01-05. Retrieved 2009-04-24.
  5. "6th Annual Keith LeClair Classic". ECU Athletics. Archived from the original on 2012-07-11. Retrieved 2009-04-24.
  6. Cutler, Tami (June 9, 2017). "2015 Division I Baseball Attendance - Final Report" (PDF). Sportswriters.net. NCBWA. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
  7. "2012 Conference USA Baseball Media Guide" (PDF). p. 75. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-11-12. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
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