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Delta Dental Diamond at Centennial Field is the name of the baseball stadium at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont, and is the home of the Vermont Lake Monsters.

Key Information

Beyond the left-field fence is the former home of the University of Vermont's men's and women's soccer teams, which also served as home field for its men's and women's lacrosse teams, and its college football team (1900–1974).

History

[edit]

The facility takes its name, Centennial Field, from the fact that the land on which it was built was dedicated to its current purpose on July 6, 1904, at the conclusion of the three-day celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first graduating class of the University of Vermont (UVM). Its first baseball game was on April 17, 1906, with UVM's 10–4 victory over the University of Maine. Larry Gardner was the first batter for UVM.[2] Future-Boston Red Sox pitcher Ray Collins started the game for Vermont and threw the first pitch at the ballpark. Gardner and Collins are among 11 former Catamounts to reach the major leagues, the latest being Matt Duffy, who played for UVM during 2008–2009 and for the Houston Astros during 2015–2016.[3]

In addition to the baseball field, the adjacent soccer field was used by UVM's college football team until 1974, and UVM's men's and women's lacrosse teams in the 1990s through 2006. The school's men's soccer team played there from 1975 to 2011 and the women played there from 1995 to 2011 before moving to Virtue Field on campus. The Centennial Field soccer stands had 5,000 seats and drew America East record crowds during the 1989 postseason when UVM advanced to the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship East Regional Finals with wins over Yale and UConn. Vermont hosted the long-running Smith Barney Men's Soccer Classic at Centennial Field that featured many national powers including UCLA, Stanford, Old Dominion, San Francisco, New Mexico and North Carolina. Its recent women's soccer tournament has featured Indiana, Notre Dame and Villanova.

During the era that Catamounts had a football team, Centennial Field had stands on both sides of the gridiron. UVM's game with UMass in 1966 had a record crowd of 10,000 fans. That season, Vermont featured Little All-American halfback Bobby Mitchell and UMass had future NFL quarterback Greg Landry. The football field was also the home to several Vermont high school state championship games.

The baseball park was part of the sports complex constructed as part of the UVM Centennial celebration. The original wooden baseball bleachers burned on March 12, 1913. The current concrete and steel main grandstand was erected in 1922.[4] Today,[when?] it seats 4,415 for baseball.

The first UVM ice hockey game was played on the football portion of Centennial Field. The field's large foul territory comes from the running track that at one time circled the park, including the area where the grandstand currently stands.

In the summer of 2005, Centennial Field was the Vermont stop on ESPN's "50 States in 50 Days" tour.[5] In 2007, it was recognized by ESPN.com's Jim Caple as one of the top 10 ballpark destinations in the U.S.[6] It is also featured in the 2008 book 101 Baseball Places To See Before You Strike Out by Josh Pahigian.[7]

In May 2025 the Lake Monsters and Delta Dental reached a 10-year agreement to refer to the ballpark as Delta Dental Diamond at Centennial Field.[8]

Operation and improvements

[edit]

Centennial Field showed its age and was in need of repair in 2010 to meet minor league baseball ballpark standards.[9] Much needed upgrades began in earnest after that season with Vermont Lake Monsters owner Ray Pecor investing in over $1 million in improvements prior to the start of the 2012 season, and another $1 million prior to 2013.[10] Pecor made these improvements –including new lights, a state-of-the-art video scoreboard and many field-surface improvements after agreeing with then-UVM president John Bramley on a 20-year lease just $1 per year.[11]

On June 28, 2012, Oakland extended its minor league player development contract through the end of the 2014 season. In the announcement Athletics vice president and general manager Billy Beane was quoted as saying, "The baseball history and community support in Burlington makes it a very special place. We look forward to this partnership growing for many years to come."[12]

Baseball usage

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In 2003, 2005, and 2006, the field hosted the America East Conference baseball tournament.[13] In the past, it also hosted American Legion Baseball and was home to the American Legion Northeast Regional tournament in 2007.

On February 20, 2009, it lost its longest tenant with director of athletics Dr. Robert Corran announcing the University of Vermont would discontinue the varsity baseball (and varsity softball) program following the completion of the 2009 season.[14][15] Corran said at the time that he expected that the university would continue to maintain the baseball field before Bramley stepped in by leasing it to the Lake Monsters for 20 years starting in 2012. The UVM baseball team played its last home game of the 2009 season at Centennial Field on May 12, 2009, when they hosted Bryant University in a midweek non-conference doubleheader.[16][17]

With the movement of UVM's soccer facility to Virtue Field after the 2011 season, baseball became the primary sport played at Centennial Field. In addition to the Lake Monsters, the Vermont Principals' Association's four state championship games returned to Centennial Field in 2012 after a two-year absence.

Professional baseball franchises

[edit]

Centennial Field has been home to affiliated minor league and summer collegiate baseball teams through the years.

Burlington Athletics

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Dr. Clarence Beecher, a one-time mayor of Burlington and dean of the UVM College of Medicine, led a group that brought the Philadelphia Athletics' Provincial League Class C team to play at Centennial Field in 1955, Vermont's first affiliated minor league team. The Provincial League was founded in 1935 and based in Quebec. The League was affiliated with the National Association from 1940 to 1943 and 1950 to 1955. Between 1950 and 1955, it was a Class C minor-league; the Philadelphia Athletics had an affiliate during this time. In 1954, the American League Athletics were based in Philadelphia and their Provincial League club in Drummondville, Quebec.

Beecher had been president of the Burlington Cardinals during the Northern League's final season and assumed the same position with the new club when the Provincial League Dummondville club became available in the fall of 1954.[18]

The 1955 Burlington Athletics attracted 51,267 fans to Centennial Field for the season, the second highest attendance in the League. Burlington went 65–64 to finish in third-place, 20.5 games behind the first-place St. Jean Canadians. Burlington pitcher Jack Hale tied for the league-lead in wins with 17.[citation needed] In the playoffs, Burlington beat first-place St. Jean in the first round but lost the championship to the Quebec Braves, four games to one. Two of the 1955 Athletics, pitcher Bob Davis and outfielder Bill Kern would reach the major leagues.

The Provincial League was not financially sustainable and disbanded prior to the 1956 season.[18]

Vermont Reds

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Affiliated minor League baseball returned to Centennial Field in 1984 when Mike Agganis moved his AA Eastern League Lynn Pirates from Lynn, Massachusetts to Burlington. The club had been affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Agganis signed a four-year agreement with the Cincinnati Reds. The club was renamed the Vermont Reds.[19]

The club finished in fourth-place in 1984 and 1985, and in second-place in 1986. The Reds excelled in the post-season and won the Eastern League championship each of these three years. Vermont finished fourth again in 1987 but lost in the League finals. Barry Larkin, Jeff Montgomery, Rob Dibble, Kal Daniels, Chris Sabo, and Norm Charlton all starred in Burlington and became the core of the 1990 World Champion Cincinnati Reds.

Larkin had the most distinguished career of all of the Vermont Reds alumni playing for Cincinnati from 1986 to 2004. A 12-time National League all-star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner, he was the 1995 National League Most Valuable Player and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012.

Vermont Mariners

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After the 1987 season, Cincinnati signed a new affiliation agreement with the Chattanooga Lookouts. The Seattle Mariners had themselves been affiliated with Chattanooga and signed with Agganis and the Burlington franchise. The Vermont Reds became the Vermont Mariners.

The team finished second in the Eastern League behind the Glens Falls Tigers. Vermont made the playoffs but lost to the Albany-Colonie Yankees in the finals. Mariners manager Rich Morales was named Eastern League Manager of the Year and Jim Wilson and Omar Vizquel were Eastern League All-Stars.

Ken Griffey Jr. was selected by the Seattle Mariners with the first pick of the 1987 Major League Baseball draft. Griffey played for the Bellingham Mariners in 1987 and spent most of the 1988 season with the Class A California League San Bernardino Spirit. Griffey was promoted to Burlington and played at Centennial Field late in the 1988 season. He played in 17 games for the Mariners and hit two home runs. In 2016, Griffey was enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, joining Larkin.

Future major league star shortstop Omar Vizquel spent the bulk of the 1988 season with the Mariners hitting .254 with 30 stolen bases, before he was called up to Triple A in early August, prior to Griffey becoming active. Vizquel that year showed glimpses of his outstanding fielding that would earn him 11 Gold Gloves throughout his big league career, second-most among shortstops in major league history.

By September 1988, with the team in the Eastern League playoffs, Agganis had decided to move the franchise to Canton, Ohio. Canton was building a brand-new ballpark, Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, which would have a capacity of 5,700. More so, the Canton metropolitan area offered twice the population of Burlington. Agganis told The New York Times, "Our attendance has averaged out to about 85,000 over five years in Burlington. In Canton, we can probably do between 225,000 and 300,000 attendance."[19] The franchise moved to Canton after the 1988 season, affiliated with Cleveland, and became the Canton–Akron Indians.

Vermont Expos & Lake Monsters

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Minor league baseball returned to Centennial Field in 1994. Burlington businessman Ray Pecor, owner of Lake Champlain Transportation Co. in Burlington since 1976,[20] purchased the franchise rights of the Jamestown Expos and brought minor league baseball back to Burlington.

The Vermont Expos debuted at Centennial Field on June 16, 1994. They lost 6–5 to the Pittsfield Mets but more than 5,000 fans attended the game.[21]

In the franchise's second season in Burlington, the Expos won the 1995 McNamara Division title and in 1996, it repeated as division champs and captured its only New York Penn League championship.

The Expos passed one million in cumulative attendance during the 2002 season. The team changed its name to the Lake Monsters in 2006, one year after the big league parent franchise Montreal Expos moved to Washington and became the Nationals. The 2005 Vermont Expos are the last professional team to be named the Expos.

In 2011, Vermont changed its major league affiliation from the Washington Nationals (National League) to the Oakland Athletics (American League). That season Vermont returned to the NYP postseason for the first time in 15 seasons by capturing the Stedler Division pennant on the final day of the regular season.

Since the franchise moved to Vermont in 1994, 68 former Expos/Lake Monsters have reached the major leagues (as of July 2015) including future standouts Addison Russell, Orlando Cabrera, Jamey Carroll, Milton Bradley, Jorge Julio, Jason Bay, Ian Desmond, Jordan Zimmermann, Tommy Milone, and Danny Espinosa.[22]

After the cancelled 2020 minor league season, Major League Baseball took direct control of Minor League Baseball and discontinued short-season play. The Lake Monsters were not invited to remain in affiliated baseball. The team was in discussions to continue as a professional baseball team for 2021[23] but ended up joining the Futures Collegiate Baseball League.[citation needed]

Collegiate Summer Baseball

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Pre-renovation scoreboard

The summer collegiate Northern League (baseball, 1934–1952) Burlington Cardinals played at Centennial Field from 1935 to 1941 and from 1946 to 1952. The league disbanded when it was not sanctioned by ECAC and NCAA member institutions due to its semi-professional status. Collegiate summer leagues since can include only amateur players.

Among the many future major leaguers who played for the Cardinals, Johnny Podres made his professional debut at Centennial Field in 1950 pitching for Cardinals. In 2005, the Vermont Expos invited Podres back to Centennial Field to throw out the first pitch in honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series championship.[24]

The collegiate Northern League was revived in the late 1970s through the 1980s and Centennial Field was the home of the Burlington Expos, Burlington A's and the Queen City Royals. The first edition of the Burlington Expos collegiate team was led by current Clemson head baseball coach, Jack Leggett, a native of South Burlington who also was the coach of the UVM baseball team at the time. Future major league pitchers Kirk McCaskill and Mike Rochford hurled for the Expos during the summers.

The Lake Monsters joined the Futures Collegiate Baseball League for the 2021 season.[citation needed]

Historic marker

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Centennial Field (June 2014)

The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation erected a marker at the ballpark in 1997. It reads,

Named to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the University of Vermont's first graduating class, Centennial Field has been the home of UVM athletics since 1906. The three ballparks that have stood on this site have hosted semi-professional and minor league baseball, as well as exhibitions by visiting Major League and Negro League ballclubs. The current grandstand, constructed in 1922, is one of the oldest still in use. Among the outstanding players who have graced Centennial's diamond are Larry Gardner, Ray Collins, Tris Speaker, Jesse Hubbard, Robin Roberts, Kirk McCaskill, Barry Larkin, and Ken Griffey, Jr.[25]

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Centennial Field

View on Grokipedia
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Centennial Field, officially known as Diamond at Centennial Field, is a historic located on the campus of the in , serving as the home venue for the of the as of 2025. Opened on April 17, 1906, with a University of Vermont victory over the , it features a seating capacity of 4,415 and field dimensions of 330 feet to left, 408 feet to center, and 330 feet to right. Constructed as part of UVM's centennial celebration to enhance athletic facilities, the has been a cornerstone of local sports for over a century. Originally used for both and football games as well as community events, Centennial Field hosted early UVM athletic competitions and later became a hub for professional and collegiate . The original wooden were destroyed by in 1913 and replaced with a and in 1922, followed by further upgrades in 1962 for seating and facilities, and in 1995 for modern concessions and restrooms. Over the decades, it has been home to minor league affiliates such as the Vermont Reds and Vermont Expos before the Lake Monsters' tenure beginning in 1994. Recognized for its enduring role in American sports history, Centennial Field is one of the oldest parks still in operation and was nominated to the for its architectural and cultural significance. Today, it continues to host Lake Monsters games during the summer season, drawing fans to its intimate, vintage atmosphere on the university grounds at 98 University Road.

Facilities

Location and design

Centennial Field is located at 287 Colchester Avenue in , on the (UVM) campus near the shores of . The stadium's original design dates to UVM's 1904 centennial celebration, when the university acquired and developed the site as a multi-sport athletic facility, including a diamond with a traditional layout. The field features dimensions of 330 feet to left field, 408 feet to center field, and 330 feet to right field, supporting classic play within a natural grass outfield and dirt infield. Following a fire that destroyed the original wooden grandstand in 1913, the current structure—a fireproof and grandstand designed by Levering & Garigues—was constructed in 1922, making it one of the oldest such features in continuous use for . Integrated into UVM's athletic complex, Centennial Field adjoins practice areas such as the Centennial Soccer Field, formerly home to varsity soccer and now used for intramurals and club sports, while remaining proximate to key campus buildings including Patrick Gymnasium within the Patrick-Forbush-Gutterson complex. In May 2025, the stadium received its current official designation as Diamond at Centennial Field through a 10-year agreement between the and Northeast , marking the first such sponsorship in the venue's history.

Capacity and amenities

Centennial Field features 4,415 fixed seats in its main grandstand, constructed from concrete and steel, with additional berm seating and standing room areas that allow for a total attendance of up to approximately 6,000 spectators. The stadium provides a range of visitor amenities, including multiple food concession stands located under the grandstand and around the field, offering classic ballpark fare such as hot dogs, pizza, and local Vermont craft beers from breweries like Fiddlehead and Zero Gravity. Family-friendly zones include a post-and-beam pavilion and a BBQ picnic area capable of accommodating up to 600 people for group outings. Accessibility features encompass ramps, paved pathways, accessible seating sections, and designated handicap parking near the main entrance, along with service animal accommodations. On-site parking is limited to approximately 300 vehicles at $5 per car, supplemented by free shuttle services from larger lots like Gutterson Fieldhouse. The playing field consists of a natural grass surface, meticulously maintained to professional standards, with dimensions of 330 feet to left field, 408 feet to center, and 330 feet to right field. Lighting was installed in the to enable night games, and the received upgrades in 2014, including a new 27-foot by 16-foot video board in left field. Operational features supporting events include a sound system for announcements and entertainment, restrooms added in 1995 and integrated into the grandstand area, and merchandise shops stocking items branded for the Catamounts and the . Over time, post-reconstruction expansions have contributed to the current capacity configuration.

History

Origins and early development

Centennial Field was established in 1904 during the University of Vermont's centennial celebration, commemorating 100 years since the institution's first graduating class in 1804, following its founding in 1791. The project aimed to create dedicated athletic facilities on to support the growing needs of UVM's sports programs, with land set aside specifically for this purpose during the anniversary events. Planning and funding for the field were driven by the university administration, drawing on resources and contributions to cover expenses. occurred in 1904, leading to the completion of the basic playing field and a wooden by 1906. The facility officially opened on April 17, 1906, with UVM's team defeating the 10-4 in the inaugural game. From its early years through the , Centennial Field served as a multi-sport venue, hosting UVM football games, events, and contests, solidifying its role as the university's primary outdoor athletic site.

Reconstructions and challenges

Centennial Field faced significant structural challenges early in its history, most notably a devastating in March 1913, caused by children playing with matches, that destroyed the original wooden . This incident, common among wooden ballparks of the era, forced the to install temporary bleachers and relocate some games while allowing the team to continue playing on the field itself. The response to the fire came nearly a decade later with a major reconstruction in 1922, when a fireproof steel-and-concrete grandstand was erected to replace the vulnerable wooden structure. Funded through contributions from the University of Vermont and its alumni, this durable design addressed ongoing safety concerns and enhanced the venue's longevity. The 1922 grandstand forms the core of the stadium today, establishing Centennial Field as one of the oldest college baseball parks in continuous use in the United States. Beyond the fire and rebuild, the field encountered various operational hurdles in its first century. In the early decades, weather conditions frequently caused closures due to poor drainage, limiting usability during rainy periods typical of Burlington's climate. Operationally, Centennial Field transitioned from a multi-sport facility to a baseball-centric venue by . Initially hosting football and other events, football use ended around 1925 due to inadequate field dimensions for the growing sport, allowing —already the most popular activity at UVM—to become the primary focus and solidifying the stadium's role in the university's athletic program.

Renovations and modern updates

In the 1990s, Centennial Field underwent several upgrades to enhance its functionality for and other events. In 1995, modern concession stands and restrooms were added to improve spectator comfort. The 2000s brought further enhancements focused on infrastructure and amenities. A new was installed in 2002, providing updated scoring and information displays for fans. In 2006, a major $2.5 million renovation included new dugouts, a new , , , and other improvements, significantly modernizing the facility while preserving its historic character. During the 2010s, renovations emphasized seating, technology, and accessibility. Starting in 2013, the concrete general admission seating was replaced with new individual seats, with some original 1922 seats retained in the front row and aisles for historical value; old wooden seats were made available for public purchase. In 2014, on-field Diamond Deck and Dugout Deck seating areas were added, along with a new videoboard to improve viewing experiences. Lighting was upgraded in 2015 to support night games more effectively. The 2020s have seen ongoing multi-phase improvements to adapt to contemporary standards and team needs. Beginning in 2021, additions included a custom oven, four Field Level Box Suites, an expanded right-field pavilion deck, new concession options, and additional seating along the first- and third-base lines. In 2025, the field received as Delta Dental Diamond at Centennial Field under a 10-year agreement with Northeast Delta Dental, further supporting facility enhancements. These updates have facilitated smoother operations for summer collegiate teams by improving fan amenities and event capabilities.

Baseball usage

University of Vermont teams

Centennial Field has been the home of the Catamounts program since the venue's dedication in 1906, when it hosted the team's inaugural game there, a 10-4 victory over the . As a member of the during its varsity era from 1993 to 2009, the field served as the site for competitive collegiate games, including regional tournaments and conference matchups. Following the varsity program's discontinuation due to budget constraints, the facility continued to host the UVM club team, which competes in the New England Collegiate Baseball Association (NECBA) and has achieved notable success, such as playoff runs in the 2010s and a conference championship in 2023 after advancing through the losers' bracket in a 35-inning tournament weekend. Throughout much of the , Centennial Field functioned as a multi-purpose athletic venue for various UVM teams beyond . The Catamounts football program played over 100 home games there from 1906 to 1925 alone, with the field remaining the primary site for the sport until the program's termination in 1974, accommodating hundreds of contests in total during that span. Men's and teams utilized the field for practices and games through the and continued into the 2000s, while soccer squads, including the men's varsity team, held matches there until the 1990s, with records showing conference tournament games as late as 1990. By the , as dedicated facilities like Virtue Field emerged on campus for football, soccer, and , Centennial Field's role narrowed primarily to , aligning with the development of specialized athletic infrastructure elsewhere at UVM. The venue integrates with UVM's and campus recreation initiatives, supporting intramural leagues, club sports, and community programming that emphasize athletic development and wellness. Annual events such as games, organized by the Friends of UVM Baseball, draw former players back to the field for exhibitions that celebrate the program's legacy, while youth clinics hosted in collaboration with university recreation provide instructional opportunities for local students. During the varsity years, home games typically attracted 500 to 1,000 spectators, creating an intimate setting that enhanced the community feel of collegiate competition at the . Program milestones, including multiple single-season win records established in the —such as 13 victories in both 1969 and 1971—were achieved on the field, underscoring its central role in UVM's athletic heritage.

Professional franchises

Centennial Field hosted its first professional baseball franchise in 1955 with the Burlington Athletics, a Class C team affiliated with the Kansas City Athletics in the Provincial League. The team, relocated from , , drew an average attendance of around 1,200 fans per game, totaling 51,267 for the season, which ranked second in the league. Notable players included outfielder Ralph LaPointe, who hit .313 that year. Burlington finished 65-64 and reached the league championship series but lost to the Welland Chiefs. The franchise folded after the 1955 season when the Provincial League disbanded due to financial difficulties. Professional baseball returned to Centennial Field in 1984 with the Vermont Reds, a Double-A affiliate of the in the Eastern League, operating through 1987. The team developed several future Major League stars, including Barry , outfielder Paul O'Neill, and pitcher , who all played in Burlington during their minor league careers. Attendance averaged approximately 1,700 fans per game across the four seasons, reflecting steady local support despite the higher classification's challenges. The Reds posted competitive records, including a 75-64 finish in 1986, but relocated after 1987 due to ownership changes and league realignment. In 1988, the franchise rebranded as the Vermont Mariners, continuing as a Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners in the Eastern League. The team finished second in the Western Division with a 79-60 record and advanced to the playoffs, where they were eliminated in the semifinals by the Canton-Akron Indians. Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. appeared in 17 games for Vermont that season as part of his minor league development and injury rehabilitation, batting .278 with three home runs. Attendance peaked around 2,500 fans per game, buoyed by the team's success and Griffey's presence. The Mariners relocated to Canton, Ohio, for the 1989 season, ending Double-A baseball at the venue. The longest tenure at Centennial Field began in 1994 with the Vermont Expos, a affiliate of the in the New York-Penn League. The team rebranded as the in 2007 after the Montreal franchise moved to , and later affiliated with the (2005-2010) and (2011-2019). They captured the New York-Penn League championship in 1996 and made 12 playoff appearances over 26 seasons, developing over 110 players who reached the Major Leagues, including , , and . The 1994 home opener drew a record 5,915 fans, and average attendance stabilized at 2,200-2,500 per game in later years. Total attendance exceeded 2.5 million across 940 home games from 1994 to 2019. The affiliation ended after the 2019 season due to Major League Baseball's reorganization, which contracted dozens of teams. Over its professional era from 1955 to 2019, Centennial Field hosted more than 1,500 affiliated games across 32 seasons, fostering talent development and providing an economic boost to Burlington through tourism and local spending generated by consistent fan attendance.

Summer collegiate teams

Following the 2019 season as an MLB-affiliated short-season single-A team, the Vermont Lake Monsters transitioned to the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL), an independent wooden-bat summer league for college players, with their inaugural FCBL campaign in 2021 after the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team, one of the league's original members, plays a 62-game regular season schedule from late May through early August, including 35 home games at Centennial Field. In 2025, marking the franchise's 31st overall season since its founding in 1994, the Lake Monsters finished the regular season with a 40-22 record, securing first place in the FCBL standings. The FCBL emphasizes development for collegiate athletes, and the Lake Monsters prioritize local talent, featuring eight Vermont natives on their 2025 roster to foster community ties and showcase regional prospects. The team has achieved notable success in the league, including winning the 2021 FCBL championship in their debut season with a 4-1 playoff run, defeating the Pittsfield Suns 3-2 in the finale. To engage fans, the Lake Monsters offer community-focused promotions such as family package deals, giveaway nights (e.g., hats and tumblers), and themed events like Night with discounted tickets for students. These efforts contributed to strong attendance in 2025, averaging approximately 2,700 fans per home game across 35 contests. In May 2025, secured a 10-year agreement for the , rebranding it as Delta Dental Diamond at Centennial Field, which includes prominent field signage and integrated promotional elements to enhance the fan experience. This partnership underscores the team's role in sustaining summer collegiate at the historic venue while supporting local business and initiatives.

Recognition and legacy

Historic designations

In 1997, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation installed a roadside historical marker at Centennial Field's main entrance to recognize its significance in Vermont sports history. The plaque commemorates the field's naming for the 100th anniversary of the University of Vermont's first graduating class in 1904, notes its opening for athletics in 1906, highlights the 1922 construction of the current grandstand as one of the oldest still in use, and emphasizes its enduring role in baseball and community events. Centennial Field has been nominated to the and deemed eligible, contributing to the broader historic campus context of the , with eligibility determinations dating to the 1980s. The grandstand structure was formerly recognized as the oldest complete one in use for . The field is among the nation's 10 oldest active baseball stadiums. Preservation efforts at the have emphasized historical authenticity in maintaining Centennial Field, including renovations that respect its early 20th-century design while ensuring continued use, aligning with state guidelines for historic athletic facilities.

Cultural and community impact

Centennial Field has served as a versatile venue for a range of gatherings that extend beyond , fostering social connections in Burlington. In 2020, amid the cancellation of the season due to the , the field hosted alternative events such as outdoor movie screenings, sessions, and classes to maintain and provide family-friendly activities during a challenging period. Historically, the venue has accommodated commencement ceremonies, including the 199th in 2003, where an estimated 2,112 graduates and guests gathered on the field for the all-university event. Additionally, post-game fireworks displays have become a staple of summer festivities, with themed nights like Night and Star Wars Night featuring spectacular shows in 2025, drawing crowds for celebratory evenings that enhance Burlington's seasonal vibrancy. The field contributes significantly to Burlington's local economy through its role as a hub for visitors and events. The Vermont Lake Monsters' operations generated approximately $300,000 in annual economic activity as of 2020, including revenue from ticket sales, concessions, and increased patronage at nearby businesses, while promoting tourism across the state. Partnerships with local entities, such as the 2025 naming rights deal with Northeast Delta Dental—rebranding the venue as Delta Dental Diamond at Centennial Field—along with themed promotional nights, bolster collaborations with Burlington-area companies and support sustained economic vitality. Educational initiatives at Centennial Field emphasize youth development and , integrating the venue into broader learning programs. The organize youth clinics for ages 7-14, held directly at the field in multiple sessions during the summer of 2025, providing hands-on instruction from players to build skills and promote teamwork. Similarly, the Vermont Baseball School conducts its annual camps at Centennial Field, including a July 2025 session focused on fundamentals like hitting, fielding, and base running for young participants. These programs, often in partnership with the , extend the field's utility as an educational resource, though specific ties to UVM's curriculum remain centered on campus facilities rather than the field itself. The venue's legacy is enriched by stories of local and notable figures who have connected with Burlington through Centennial Field, underscoring its enduring cultural significance. Baseball pioneer William Clarence Matthews, who integrated the Northern League in 1905 by playing professionally in Burlington, represents an early chapter of inclusive sports history at the site. Local hero Ralph LaPointe, a Burlington native and UVM standout, honed his skills at the field before a major league career, including time with the Boston Red Sox. High-profile debuts, such as 's professional appearance in 1988 with the Vermont Mariners, have further cemented the field's place in lore, attracting media attention that highlights its historic charm and role in nurturing talent.

References

  1. https://www.uvm.edu/~campus/centfield/centennial.html
  2. https://vermontlakemonsters.com/lake-monsters-announce-2025-schedule/
  3. https://vermontlakemonsters.com/delta-dental-diamond-centennial-field/
  4. https://www.uvm.edu/~campus/centfield/centennialhistory.html
  5. https://vermonthistory.org/centennial-field-burlington-vermont-history
  6. https://www.uvm.edu/d10-files/documents/2024-11/CampusPlan_FullPlan_Spreads_Website_2024.11.22.pdf
  7. https://uvmcampusrec.com/sports/2017/12/20/centennial-field.aspx?id=164
  8. https://uvmcampusrec.com/facilities
  9. https://vermontlakemonsters.com/lake-monsters-delta-dental-announce-stadium-partnership/
  10. https://www.milb.com/vermont/ballpark/aboutcentennialfield
  11. https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/centennial-field-a-major-league-monster-2176199/
  12. https://vermontlakemonsters.com/centennial-field-concession-menus/
  13. https://www.stadiumandarenavisits.com/visitsreviews/vermont-lake-mosters/
  14. https://www.eventective.com/burlington-vt/vermont-lake-monsters-centennial-field-59426.html
  15. https://vermontlakemonsters.com/delta-dental-diamond-centennial-field/accessibility-information/
  16. https://stadiumandarenavisits.com/visitsreviews/vermont-lake-mosters/
  17. https://vermontlakemonsters.com/parking/
  18. https://vermontlakemonsters.com/2021-championship-t-shirts-now-on-sale-2/
  19. https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/at-this-place-in-history/this-place-in-history-centennial-field/
  20. https://www.addisonindependent.com/2021/06/24/karl-lindholm-centennial-and-rickwood-fields-baseball-shrines/
  21. https://uvmathletics.com/honors/university-of-vermont-athletic-hall-of-fame/ray-w-collins/19/kiosk
  22. https://www.facebook.com/groups/663574408058076/posts/1132719777810201/
  23. https://ballparkdigest.com/201408287619/at-the-ballpark/the-front-office/two-ways-to-honor-centennial-field-history
  24. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzUznnOpUGF/
  25. https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/sports/college/vermont/2024/11/25/uvm-football-undefeated-since-1974-when-school-axed-program-vermont/75305449007/
  26. https://kids.kiddle.co/Centennial_Field
  27. https://uvmathletics.com/custompages/MensSoccer/MSOCRecordBook.pdf
  28. http://friendsofuvmbaseball.com/index.php/alumni-game
  29. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/University_of_Vermont
  30. https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/sports/2020/12/10/before-lake-monsters-story-professional-baseball-burlington-mlb/3882122001/
  31. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Centennial_Field
  32. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/ralph-lapointe/
  33. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Vermont_Reds
  34. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Vermont_Mariners
  35. https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/sports/2016/07/23/griffey-jr-played-vermont-mariners/87483206/
  36. https://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/centennial-field-s353
  37. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Vermont_Expos
  38. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Vermont_Lake_Monsters
  39. https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/co617itho93v3fkbn5mi.pdf
  40. https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/sports/2020/12/09/vermont-lake-monsters-no-mlb-affiliation-2021-after-as-decision/3864887001/
  41. https://www.milb.com/vermont/news/vermont-lake-monsters-to-be-sold-and-join-the-futures-league
  42. https://www.milb.com/vermont/news/lake-monsters-announce-2020-season-shelved-313537474
  43. https://thefuturesleague.com/about-us/history/
  44. https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/sports/2025/05/30/vermont-lake-monsters-return-for-31st-season-eight-local-players-rostered/83904084007/
  45. https://baseball.pointstreak.com/team_home.html?seasonid=34078&teamid=153922
  46. https://vermontlakemonsters.com/post-five/
  47. https://vermontlakemonsters.com/promotions2025/
  48. https://vermontlakemonsters.com/80825recap/
  49. https://www.wcax.com/2025/05/09/lake-monsters-delta-dental-reach-centennial-naming-rights-deal/
  50. https://vtaaht.org/historic-site-markers/centennial-field-historic-site-marker/
  51. https://www.mynbc5.com/article/without-baseball-centennial-field-will-play-host-to-new-summer-activities/33407554
  52. https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/vermont/2020/07/23/vermont-lake-monsters-host-10-summer-events-centennial-field/5497947002/
  53. https://www.uvm.edu/theview/pdfs/051403.pdf
  54. https://vermontlakemonsters.com/2025promotionsxx/
  55. https://events.uvm.edu/event/vermont-lake-monsters-star-wars-night
  56. https://www.wamc.org/new-england-news/2020-02-13/burlington-city-council-condemns-plan-to-eliminate-minor-league-baseball-teams
  57. https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-27297172
  58. https://vermontlakemonsters.com/youthbaseballclinics/
  59. http://www.vermontbaseballschool.com/
  60. https://www.reformer.com/sports/baseball-pioneer-to-be-honored-during-thursdays-vermont-lake-monsters-game/article_651341dc-11c3-11ed-bcfb-fb8baa827b68.html
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