Once labeled “Maestri’s Miracle on the Lakefront” by WVUE television, Maestri Field enters its 40th year as one of the most iconic baseball venues in South.

Built in 1979 for an estimated $750,000 the former “Privateer Park” has been renovated several times in its first four decades. Originally just three bleachers and a diamond a series of improvements and renovations began almost immediately that would eventually turn the stadium into one of the region’s finest.

Prior to the 1980 season the stadium’s first press box was added down the first base line – named the “Lemoine Room” after Herb Lemoine the Stadium’s first Director of Stadium Operations. Renovations continued 1983 when a start of the art computerized scoreboard was added in the outfield.

With the arrival of the American Association’s Zephyrs imminent in 1993 the stadium was converted to all aluminum bleachers – increasing the capacity from 4,000 seats to 5,225 seats. Wrought iron and brick work was added to the exterior of the stadium as well to prepare it for life as a Triple A baseball venue.

From 1993 to 1996 the field received high marks from both the Zephyrs organization as well as visiting minor league baseball teams with most teams remarking the playing surface was “the best surface we’ve ever played on.” The stadium hosted over 200 Triple A baseball games with minimal to no impact on field conditions.

Privateer Park was officially renamed and dedicated to legendary baseball coach and Athletic Director Ron Maestri on Feb 23, 2002. The stadium has been a long time passion for Coach Maestri as he personally spearheaded the campaign to get it built in 1979, and has continuously raised money for improvements to the ballpark.

A complete surface renovation was completed prior to the 2006 season including a new irrigation and drainage system. The entire playing surface was skinned, laser graded and re-sodded as well. Completing the field was were the additions of surrounding warning track as well as a halo around home plate.

With major renovations underway the Privateers played games during 2013 and part of 2014 at Wesley Barrow Stadium and Zephyr Field. On March 14 2014 the baseball program’s first ever Southland Conference game coincided with the reopening of Maestri Field. Completed renovations included a brand new chairback grandstand seating over 800, a newly renovated press box with two radio booths, a working area for media and a party suite. A brand new Daktronics videoboard and sound system were installed as well.

In addition to hosting almost 1,200 Privateer games the stadium has hosted the NCAA South Regional (1982), the American Legion World Series (1984) the NCAA South II Regional (1987), the American Legion Tournament (1987) the American South Conference Tournament (1989), the Italian National Team (1990)  as well as concerts by the Beach Boys and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

University of New Orleans - Maestri Field

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