When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Hermance Stadium
Why Hermance Stadium is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Hermance Stadium, nestled at the front of Oglethorpe University's campus in Brookhaven, Georgia, offers a unique and historic setting for baseball enthusiasts and friends looking for a memorable outing. Established in 1920, this stadium has deep roots in collegiate sports history, originally built for Oglethorpe's football team and now home to the Stormy Petrels baseball team. Its location just north of Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood makes it a conveniently accessible destination. The stadium features simple but charming bleacher seating, evoking the nostalgia of early 20th-century stadium design, which is rare among modern sports venues. Despite the absence of luxuries such as elaborate seating or extensive restroom facilities, the stadium’s historic character offers a special ambiance that encourages bonding among spectators. Visitors appreciate the preservation of the field, now named Anderson Field, which combines this historic appeal with modern amenities including permanent lighting for night games, an electronic scoreboard, and spacious Astroturf batting cages. The intimate capacity of around 900-1000 seats often fills with a lively mix of students, families, and professors, creating an inviting community atmosphere. Moreover, admission and parking are free, and concession prices are modest, making it an economical and enjoyable destination for group outings. The outfield wall honors notable former players, including National Baseball Hall of Famer Luke Appling, adding to the stadium’s rich heritage. This blend of history, affordability, and community spirit makes Hermance Stadium an excellent venue for friends to gather, enjoy a competitive collegiate baseball game, and soak in a piece of athletic history.
Here's what people think of Hermance Stadium
As of recent, Hermance Stadium holds a 4.7-star rating based on 23 reviews.
Consumers who have reviewed Hermance Stadium generally appreciate the unique historic charm that sets it apart from newer, more commercialized venues. Positive reviews commonly highlight the stadium’s character — with its vintage bleachers and storied past — that provides a nostalgic and authentic baseball experience rarely found today. Fans enjoy the intimate seating capacity and the welcoming atmosphere created by the close-knit campus community, which often includes students, faculty, and families. The free admission and parking, along with low concession prices, receive frequent praise for making the stadium an affordable outing while supporting Oglethorpe University’s baseball program. Enthusiasts also commend the modern enhancements such as improved lighting, an electronic scoreboard, and high-quality batting cages that complement the historic ambiance. On the downside, some reviews mention the lack of basic amenities, including insufficient restroom facilities and limited seating comfort, as drawbacks that affect the overall convenience. Others note the challenge of Atlanta traffic when accessing the stadium as a logistical inconvenience. Despite these criticisms, many conclude that the charm and historic significance of Hermance Stadium more than compensate for these shortcomings, making it a worthwhile destination. In summary, review feedback indicates that Hermance Stadium is cherished for its blend of tradition and community spirit, providing fans with a distinctive and heartfelt baseball experience that outshines its material limitations.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
George William
Looks like the ramparts of a medieval castle, but it ain’t. It’s a baseball diamond in disguise. I walk past here all the time. It’s the home of the Stormy Petrels. Look up that one.
Cyndy Anzek
While we really enjoyed our time at Hermance Stadium fieldhouse, home of the Stormy Petrels. One side of The gym was very hot and the other was Cool. My other concern was that it did not seem to be very accessible for those with ambulatory issues. All in all, we enjoyed our time there and our very thankful to Oglethorpe University for allowing us to come and spend time at their university.
Mr S.
I do business there. The students there are upper privileged. Some are really respectful and others strangely rude. Campus is nice, the buildings are old but we'll maintained
Craig Harkins
We have kids playing in their youth baseball league so coming here to watch college athletes playing is a great experience for them. Only costs a couple of $$ to get in and there is also a summer league that plays out of the park. Great way to spend a few hours.
Victor Enebeli
Good place to chill and watch sports
How to reach Hermance Stadium
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Why Hermance Stadium may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Hermance Stadium with your friends?
Hermance Stadium offers more than just a venue; it’s an experience that blends rich history, vibrant sports culture, and a welcoming community atmosphere, making it an ideal place to rally with friends. Originally built in 1920 for Oglethorpe University’s football team, this stadium now serves as the home for their baseball team, known as the Stormy Petrels. Gathering here means immersing yourself in a venue that holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places, giving your meetup a unique cultural and historical backdrop. The combination of historic architecture with modern upgrades such as Astroturf batting cages, lighting for night games, and an electronic scoreboard creates the perfect setting for excitement and entertainment. With a seating capacity for a thousand people, you and your friends can enjoy the energy of cheering fans, students, and parents—making any sporting event an unforgettable shared experience. Whether you’re sports enthusiasts or just looking for a memorable outing, Hermance Stadium provides inspiring views, great facilities, and a lively, inclusive environment where making memories with friends feels natural and fun.
What activities can you enjoy at Hermance Stadium?
Hermance Stadium provides a variety of activities that cater to groups looking to engage socially and physically. The focal activity is attending games played by the Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels baseball team. These games are excellent opportunities for groups to cheer on their local college team in an intimate, yet spirited environment supported by permanent lighting that enables exciting night games. Besides baseball, the location features a 2,000 square foot Astroturf batting cage equipped with three hitting tunnels, giving groups a chance to try out batting practice together. This hands-on activity can be a fun and interactive experience for friends or family looking to bond over friendly competition and shared enjoyment of the sport. Additionally, the stadium’s location on Oglethorpe University’s campus places it near other sports facilities, including track and tennis courts, increasing the options for group activities in the area. The vibrant atmosphere during rivalry or playoff games, often accompanied by packed bleachers and enthusiastic crowds, adds to the social thrill of communal sporting events at Hermance Stadium.
Why is Hermance Stadium perfect for a group meetup?
Hermance Stadium excels as a venue for group meetups due to its blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and a versatile setting. The stadium’s design invites both casual spectators and die-hard sports fans, ensuring everyone in a group can find a way to engage and enjoy. Its capacity, while intimate for a stadium, means groups can gather without losing the feeling of community or being lost in a large crowd. Parking is conveniently located near the stadium, easing logistics for groups arriving by car. The venue’s location on a university campus also means access to additional amenities and nearby outdoor spaces for picnics or relaxed gatherings before or after events. Furthermore, general admission pricing makes attending games affordable, allowing groups to come together regularly without high costs. The stadium’s permanent lighting and electronic scoreboard enhance the experience by supporting exciting and well-organized game-day events. For groups interested not only in watching but also participating or socializing in a family-friendly environment, Hermance Stadium offers ample opportunity.
What historic elements make Hermance Stadium special?
Hermance Stadium’s history greatly contributes to its appeal as a gathering place. Built in 1920, the stadium was initially intended as a grand football venue with plans for a 50,000 capacity that were never fully realized due to the stock market crash. This unfinished dream left spectators with the stadium’s impressive bleachers, which now serve as a nostalgic and awe-inspiring backdrop to the current baseball field, known as Anderson Field. The fact that the stadium is listed on the National Register of Historic Places underlines its significance and preservation as part of local and sporting history. These historic elements provide visitors with a tangible connection to the past while they enjoy contemporary baseball games and events. The field itself carries memories of championship teams from the 1920s and 1930s, adding depth and pride to the atmosphere. This mix of history and ongoing collegiate athletics makes Hermance Stadium a unique venue where friends and family can appreciate the heritage as much as the present-day excitement.
How accessible and convenient is Hermance Stadium for visitors?
Visitability and convenience factors are strong points for Hermance Stadium, enhancing its suitability for meetups. Located at 4484 Peachtree Road NE in Atlanta, the stadium is accessible via major highways such as I-85, I-285, and GA-400, making it convenient for people traveling from various directions. Public transit options like MARTA also serve the area, though the nearest stop is about a mile away, so visitors might prefer driving for ease and speed. Parking is available nearby in several lots adjacent to the baseball field and gymnasium, allowing groups to park within a short walking distance to the stadium. The stadium is on a university campus, which creates a safe and vibrant environment surrounded by other campus facilities. This campus setting also means visitors have access to other services and venues, including dining and restrooms, which support comfortable group experiences. The combination of convenient location, ample parking, and proximity to transit options enables visitors to focus on the fun and connection during their group events without worrying about difficult logistics.
What other amenities enhance the experience at Hermance Stadium?
Aside from the primary baseball activities, Hermance Stadium offers several full-scale amenities that enhance group experiences. The facility is equipped with modern permanent lighting and an electronically operated scoreboard, which make games more engaging and easier to follow for all spectators. The large, well-maintained Astroturf batting cages with three separate hitting tunnels offer interactive opportunities when games are not in session, perfectly suited for groups looking to participate actively. Dugouts for both home and visiting teams emphasize professional-level conditions, heightening the event’s atmosphere. Hermance Stadium’s seating includes substantial historic bleachers that provide excellent vantage points and evoke a sense of tradition. The stadium is also closely linked to the university’s broader athletic culture, with neighbors including the tennis courts and track, which offers possibilities for multi-activity days out. Its position behind historic university buildings with views of Atlanta’s skyline adds a character and aesthetic appeal to every visit, enriching social meetups with pleasing surroundings.
How does Hermance Stadium foster community and collective spirit?
One of the standout qualities of Hermance Stadium is its strong sense of community that it fosters among visitors, students, athletes, and local fans. Attending Stormy Petrels games brings together students, families, professors, and local supporters in a shared celebration of collegiate athletics. The stadium’s size and layout contribute to creating an intimate crowd atmosphere where the energy of cheering and camaraderie is palpable, encouraging group interaction and collective excitement. The university environment nurtures a spirit of support and engagement, making it a welcoming place for both serious sports fans and casual visitors who want to simply enjoy a lively event with friends. Special games, such as rivalry matchups or playoffs, draw larger crowds and amplify the festive mood, turning any game day into a memorable gathering. Hermance Stadium thus proves to be more than just a field; it’s a hub for social connection, shared enthusiasm, and local pride—key elements for any successful meetup or group outing.
What makes Hermance Stadium unique compared to other sports venues?
Hermance Stadium’s uniqueness lies in its historical significance combined with its role as an active collegiate sports venue. Unlike modern stadiums built solely for contemporary commercial sports, Hermance offers a rich narrative tied to nearly a century of athletic evolution on Oglethorpe University’s campus. Its unfinished yet grand architectural origins, preserved bleacher sections, and careful integration of modern amenities create a venue that feels both timeless and current. This historical depth gives visitors a sense of place and continuity rarely found in typical sports arenas. Additionally, its location within a small university community fosters a more personal and inclusive atmosphere rather than the often overwhelming scale of professional stadiums. The mix of competitive NCAA Division III baseball within a campus setting, complemented by close fan proximity and opportunities to engage with the sport more directly—such as using the batting cages—makes Hermance Stadium a special destination for groups seeking meaningful and lively interactions. It bridges past and present, competition and camaraderie, offering a setting that is truly distinct.
What seasonal or special events can groups look forward to at Hermance Stadium?
While Hermance Stadium’s central role is hosting university baseball games primarily in spring and early summer seasons, it also supports various special and community-oriented events. Occasional night games leverage permanent lighting to create spectacular atmospheres for evening gatherings. The stadium often becomes a focal point for rivalry games and playoff matches, which give groups added reasons to rally around shared team loyalties. Beyond baseball, the surrounding university area hosts a variety of informal and formal gatherings such as picnics, weddings, and festivals, contributing to the stadium’s community vibe and appeal for different kinds of meetups. The broader Oglethorpe campus also offers dorm accommodations during summer camps, making multi-day events feasible for groups wanting an extended experience. These seasonal and special event opportunities mean that Hermance Stadium is not just a place for sports but a versatile venue adaptable to the needs of groups seeking entertainment, socialization, and celebration throughout the year.
How can hosting a meetup at Hermance Stadium benefit your social group?
Choosing Hermance Stadium to host a meetup provides your social group a perfect balance of entertainment, historical exploration, and comfortable gathering spaces. The stadium’s ability to host up to a thousand spectators means your group can be as small or as large as you need, without sacrificing the intimacy or energy of the experience. The setting encourages interaction through shared sports viewing, cooperative batting practices, and cheering together, which strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. The historic ambiance adds a unique flavor that gives more meaning to your gathering than a conventional venue might offer. Plus, nearby parking, accessible location, and flexible general admission policies reduce stress in organizing group logistics. Whether it’s a casual get-together, a family outing, or a friends’ reunion, Hermance Stadium provides a dynamic, engaging, and memorable environment that enriches your social connections through the universal language of sports and community spirit.