L. Dale Mitchell Park
Consistently voted as one of the top playing surfaces in college baseball, L. Dale Mitchell Park provides a state-of-the-art facility for the OU baseball program.
Named for the mid-1940s Sooner letterman who still holds OU's career and single-season batting records, L. Dale Mitchell Park was dedicated in 1982. Originally constructed at a cost of $1.27 million, recent renovations totaling over $2 million have improved both the team and fan experience at the stadium.
The first phase of the renovation was completed during the 1998 season and included an upper concourse and additional restrooms and concession stands. Prior to the 2002 season, the press box underwent state-of-the-art improvement and expansion. VIP suites and a disability-accessible elevator were also added.
OU added a practice facility prior to the 2009 season including a regulation-size natural grass infield and a 5,160 square-foot indoor hitting facility. The building contains three full-size pitching and hitting lanes and is heated and air conditioned. The addition covered 22,500 square feet of existing ground down the left-field line adjacent to the Sooner bullpen.
The ballpark received a new video and scoreboard in left field in 2009, and new chair back seats were added prior to the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Also in 2012, a new warning track was installed as well as field turf in the foul territory around the infield.
Postseason History
In 2006, the facility hosted its first NCAA Regional. It marked the third time in the history of the OU baseball program that it has been chosen to host an NCAA Regional in Norman (1975 and 1977), but the first at L. Dale Mitchell Park.
In 2009, the Sooners again were awarded home-field advantage in the postseason. Additionally, the Sooners have hosted a regional in Oklahoma City on three occasions and last hosted one in 2004 at Bricktown Ballpark.
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