Hubbry Logo
Thomas More StadiumThomas More StadiumMain
Open search
Thomas More Stadium
Community hub
Thomas More Stadium
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Thomas More Stadium
Thomas More Stadium
Thomas More Stadium
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Thomas More Stadium is a stadium in Florence, Kentucky. It is primarily used for baseball and is the home field of the Florence Y'alls of the Frontier League, an independent baseball league. It originally opened in 2004 as Champion Window Field and holds 4,500 people.[1]

Key Information

On November 27, 2012, the then-named Florence Freedom announced that UC Health, the healthcare system of the University of Cincinnati, had signed a 10-year naming rights deal, giving the ballpark its UC Health Stadium name.[2] In May 2021, it was reported that the team was looking for a new naming rights partner after UC Health dropped its sponsorship, and that the team would be using the name Y'alls Ballpark for their home field.[3][4] In March 2022, the Y'alls announced that Thomas More University had acquired the naming rights, and that the university's baseball team would play at Thomas More Stadium starting in 2023.[5][6]

History

[edit]

2004 ownership scandal

[edit]

In July 2004, shortly after the opening of Champion Window Field, contractors began filing liens against the Florence Freedom, accusing the team of not paying for work done on the stadium. Eventually, 33 liens totaling $4.7 million were filed. In August, Fifth Third Bank sued team part-owner Chuck Hildebrant for failing to repay multiple loans taken out to finance the stadium construction. As part of the lawsuit, it was revealed that Hildebrant had used 204 acres (0.83 km2) of land that he did not own as collateral for the loans, and that he had given the bank a forged document as proof of ownership.[7] Hildebrant was later the subject of a federal white collar crime investigation and sentenced to prison in October 2005.[8] The team was sold in November 2004 to a new ownership group led by Clint Brown, who was not associated with Hildebrant's ownership group.[9]

Other uses

[edit]

From 2006 to 2008, the Northern Kentucky Norse baseball team, then of NCAA Division II, moved from on-campus Bill Aker Baseball Complex to play its home schedule at Champion Window Field.[10][11][12] Thomas More Stadium is currently home to the Mount St. Joseph University Lions.[13][14]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Thomas More Stadium

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thomas More Stadium is a in , primarily used for as the home field of the , a professional team in the independent . Opened in 2004, it has a seating capacity of approximately 4,500 and features a fully turfed playing surface, including the pitcher's mound and bullpens, which allows games to continue in light rain. Located at 7950 Freedom Way, just off Interstate 75 and about 10 minutes south of , , the stadium was originally named Champion Window Field (2004–2012), then UC Health Stadium (2013–2020) and Y'alls Ballpark (2021), before being renamed Thomas More Stadium in 2022 through a partnership with nearby . The venue has hosted the Y'alls since the team's relocation to the Florence area in 2003 (though playing that season in nearby ), with the stadium hosting games starting in 2004, when it was known as the Florence —a nod to the city's patriotic heritage—before the franchise rebranded to the Y'alls in 2020, inspired by Florence's iconic candy-striped water tower emblazoned with "Florence Y'all." Beyond , the supports events, including the Deck the Y'alls Lightfest display (2022–2024), which featured 2.5 million lights and an rink from late November to early January; the event is paused for the 2025 season to allow preparations for the 2026 . Family-oriented amenities enhance its appeal, such as a kids' zone with a , bouncy house, and a unique slide from the upper deck to the concourse, alongside peanut-free policies and local food options like and Montgomery Inn barbecue. Free parking and a lively, carnival-like atmosphere make it a popular destination for residents and visitors from the .

Overview

Location and construction

Thomas More Stadium is located at 7950 Freedom Way in 41042, situated at the interchange of Interstate 75 and , approximately 10 minutes south of . In the early 2000s, the City of developed the stadium to attract an independent professional baseball team to the , providing a permanent home for the Florence Freedom franchise after it relocated from , where the team had played its inaugural 2003 season at Foundation Field due to construction delays. Construction on the , originally named Champion Window Field, took place from 2003 to 2004 at an approximate cost of $5 million, with the facility designed as a city-owned venue to support local recreation, festivals, and community events beyond . The stadium opened in 2004, featuring a main for fixed seating and a fully turfed playing field with dimensions of 325 feet to left and right fields and 395 feet to center field.

Facilities and capacity

Thomas More Stadium has a total of 4,500, comprising fixed seats in the main along the first and third base lines, with additional lawn seating and picnic areas in the outfield for general admission patrons. The playing field features a surface installed upon the stadium's opening in 2004, which extends across the entire , including the pitcher's and bullpens, enabling multi-sport usage and resilience to conditions without significant alterations since. Amenities include a located above the third base line, four to six luxury suites—comprising both enclosed options down the line and open-air boxes atop the grandstand—along with party decks for group outings. Concessions stands offer standard ballpark fare such as hot dogs, burgers, and local specialties like cheese coneys and Glier's sliders, while family-oriented features encompass a kid zone with a , bouncy house, and playground slide for young attendees. The field layout adheres to standard minor-league specifications, with dimensions of 325 feet to the foul poles, 395 feet to center field, and a positioned in right-center field. Ample free is available across multiple lots north and south of the venue, facilitating easy access from nearby /75. Accessibility complies with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, featuring designated ADA parking spaces along the first base line, ramps throughout the concourse, and reserved seating areas with companion accommodations for wheelchair users.

History

Early development and opening

The Florence Freedom joined the Frontier League as an expansion franchise in 2003, playing their inaugural season at Foundation Field in Hamilton, Ohio, before relocating to the newly constructed Champion Window Field in Florence, Kentucky, for the 2004 campaign. This move aligned with the completion of the stadium's construction earlier that year, positioning the team in a more accessible location within the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area. Champion Window Field officially opened on June 18, 2004, hosting the Freedom's first home game and marking the start of operations at the 4,500-seat venue. Situated approximately 15 miles south of , the stadium's proximity to the urban center facilitated attendance from fans across and southern , enhancing its appeal as a regional option. The inaugural season saw average crowds of 1,587 per game over 43 home dates, totaling 68,250 attendees, which underscored the venue's initial draw despite the team's on-field struggles. Local promotions and community-oriented activities helped foster excitement, establishing the stadium as an intimate gathering spot that emphasized fan engagement in a suburban setting.

2004 ownership scandal

In mid-2004, shortly after the opening of Champion Window Field (now ), the Florence Freedom's ownership group, led by part-owner Chuck Hildebrant, faced severe financial turmoil due to allegations of fund mismanagement related to stadium and team operations. Hildebrant, who had secured financing for the $8 million facility on city-leased land, was accused of failing to pay contractors for work completed on the ballpark. This led to halting on , 2004, as workers walked off the site amid non-payment disputes. By late August 2004, 21 contractors had filed 23 liens against the team totaling approximately $4 million, representing about half the stadium's construction cost. The first lien was recorded on July 21, 2004, with additional filings escalating the crisis. In response, the City of filed a on August 23, 2004, against the team and the Hildebrants—Chuck and his wife, , who served as —to evict the organization from the stadium and compel its completion. The suit highlighted the city's concerns over unfinished work and potential abandonment of the facility, while the launched a probe into the stadium's financing. Concurrently, banks including Fifth Third and Provident filed against Hildebrant on August 11-12, 2004, seeking repayment of over $4.5 million in loans tied to the project. Hildebrant's legal troubles culminated in a guilty on , 2005, in U.S. District Court to charges of involving a $3 million for stadium construction, election , and filing a false . He was sentenced in October 2005 to five years in federal prison for defrauding banks, local officials, and the IRS, effectively ending his involvement with the team. The centered on misrepresentations in applications and related financial dealings that undermined the stadium's development. The scandal nearly caused the Florence Freedom to fold mid-season, with the team posting a 31-65 record amid the chaos. On July 29, 2004, following Connie Hildebrant's resignation as general manager, the assumed control of day-to-day operations to stabilize the franchise. This intervention, combined with emergency funding from local investors, allowed the team to complete the 2004 season despite the mounting debts, which reached nearly $9 million and prompted a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Professional Baseball on September 3, 2004. The crisis directly precipitated the stadium's partial completion through a $1.9 million contractor settlement fund, supported by $1.3 million from incoming ownership and $600,000 from the city.

Post-scandal ownership and team changes

Following the 2004 ownership scandal, the Florence Freedom emerged from bankruptcy in late 2004 when local businessman Clint Brown acquired the team through his company, Canterbury Baseball LLC, providing immediate financial stability and allowing operations to continue uninterrupted for the 2005 season. Brown, who signed a new lease with the City of Florence for the stadium shortly after the purchase, focused on operational improvements, including debt resolution and facility maintenance, which helped the team maintain its place in the Frontier League without relocation threats. Under Brown's ownership, which lasted until his death in January 2018, the team experienced sustained participation in the , marked by several playoff appearances in the 2010s, such as reaching the league finals in 2012 and winning a division title in 2017 that advanced them to postseason contention. His widow, Kim Brown, assumed leadership briefly before selling the team in July 2019 to Freedom Baseball Club LLC, a group of Cincinnati-area investors led by David DelBello, who became president and CEO. This transition preserved the team's home at the stadium, with the new owners committing to long-term tenancy and rebranding the franchise as the in 2020 to reflect local culture and boost fan engagement. In October 2024, the ownership group acquired the , another franchise, expanding their holdings while maintaining operations at Thomas More Stadium. Throughout these changes, ownership of Thomas More Stadium itself remained with the City of , financed originally through municipal bonds and managed as a public asset leased to the team on an annual basis, ensuring no disruptions to the facility's role as a community venue. This structure allowed successive team owners to invest in upgrades without altering the stadium's public governance, supporting consistent play and occasional postseason success into the 2020s.

Naming history

Original naming and early changes

Upon its opening in 2004, the stadium was named Champion Window Field in honor of a sponsorship agreement with Champion Windows, a Cincinnati-based company specializing in replacement windows and doors. This inaugural name, which lasted through the 2012 season, underscored the venue's initial reliance on local business support amid the Florence Freedom's early financial challenges. In November 2012, the stadium underwent its first major renaming to UC Health Stadium as part of a 10-year deal with UC Health, a prominent health system headquartered in , . The agreement, announced by team president Clint Brown, provided crucial financial stability and was set to run through the 2020 season. Following the expiration of the UC Health sponsorship and coinciding with the team's rebranding from the Florence Freedom to the in late 2019, the stadium operated briefly as Y'alls Ballpark during the season without a dedicated corporate partner. This transitional name aligned directly with the team's new identity inspired by local culture. Throughout these early years, the successive naming arrangements served as key mechanisms for the franchise to forge partnerships with regional businesses, helping to mitigate operational expenses in the aftermath of the construction disputes and ownership transition.

Recent naming rights

In March 2022, the announced a multi-year agreement with , a private Roman Catholic institution in Crestview Hills, , renaming their home Thomas More Stadium effective for the 2022 season. The partnership, structured as a five-year deal, provides the university's Saints baseball team with access to the professional-grade facility starting in spring 2023, while offering opportunities for student internships, joint marketing initiatives, and shared events such as alumni gatherings. This arrangement enhances visibility for University's athletics programs and fosters collaborative programming that benefits both the professional team and the university's student-athletes. The financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, but it is designed to promote long-term stability for the venue, with no reported modifications or extensions announced as of 2025. By aligning with a regional Catholic educational leader, the deal strengthens community connections in , extending the stadium's role beyond to support broader institutional and local ties.

Usage and teams

Professional baseball teams

The , formerly known as the Florence Freedom from to 2019, are an independent professional baseball team competing in the , a wooden-bat league recognized as MLB's oldest active partner league. The franchise, founded in 1994, relocated to in , and the team plays at the professional level without direct affiliation to organizations, emphasizing player development and community engagement in the Greater region. Since the stadium's opening in 2004, the Y'alls have made Thomas More Stadium their exclusive home venue, relocating from a temporary site in , for their inaugural season. The team hosts all regular-season home games there, drawing an average annual attendance of 1,500 to 2,500 spectators, with attendance peaking above 3,000 during playoff contests and special promotions. The Y'alls have achieved notable success with West Division titles in 2017 (as the ) and , both seasons culminating in playoff appearances, including a Frontier League Championship Series berth in 2017. Although the franchise claims three league championships from prior iterations (1994, 1995, and 2000), the team in has focused on talent pipeline development, with over 50 players advancing to MLB-affiliated since 2004. Prominent alumni include pitchers Steve Delabar and Chris Jakubauskas, who progressed to Major League rosters with the Blue Jays and Mariners, respectively. The schedule features a 96-game running from early May to late , followed by postseason for the top eight teams, all hosted at Thomas More Stadium for home games. A signature fan experience is the lawn seating along the right-field line, where supporters gather picnic-style for relaxed viewing, enhancing the atmosphere of Y'alls games.

College and amateur teams

Thomas More Stadium serves as the home field for the Thomas More Saints baseball team, which competes in NCAA Division II as part of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. The Saints began playing their home games at the stadium in the spring of 2023, following a naming rights partnership between and the that designated the venue as the program's primary facility. This arrangement provides the student-athletes with access to professional-grade amenities, including a 4,500-seat , modern lighting, and well-maintained turf, enhancing training and competition opportunities beyond typical on-campus setups. The stadium also hosts select games for the Lions, an program in the . The Lions have utilized the facility for midweek and non-conference matchups, such as their 2023 contest against Wilmington College, allowing the team to play in a larger, more advanced venue when scheduling conflicts arise at their primary field. This ongoing usage underscores the stadium's role in supporting regional collegiate by accommodating overflow games for nearby institutions. Historically, the Norse baseball team, then competing at the level, played their home games at the stadium—known at the time as UC Health Stadium—from 2006 to 2008. The move from the on-campus Bill Aker Baseball Complex was driven by the stadium's proximity to NKU's Highland Heights campus, approximately 10 miles away, offering improved facilities and greater spectator capacity during that period. After returning to their campus site in 2009, the Norse occasionally revisited the stadium for specific events, such as their 2011 home opener. Collegiate teams typically schedule 10-20 games annually at the stadium, often on midweek dates to avoid conflicts with the primary professional tenant's schedule. This arrangement benefits student-athletes by exposing them to a competitive environment with enhanced visibility and resources, fostering skill development in a setting that bridges amateur and . The stadium's multi-purpose design, with adjustable configurations for lighting and seating, facilitates these events efficiently. In addition to regular-season college play, Thomas More Stadium has hosted occasional amateur events since the , including high school tournaments such as the Kentucky High School Athletic Association's 9th Region Tournament in 2025. These gatherings feature multiple local teams competing over several days, drawing community support and providing young players with experience on a premier field. While not a primary venue for summer collegiate leagues, the stadium occasionally accommodates related amateur showcases, contributing to its broader role in Northern 's baseball ecosystem.

Non-baseball events and other uses

Thomas More Stadium has expanded its role beyond to host a variety of seasonal and community events, enhancing its utility as a multi-purpose venue in . One of the primary attractions was the Deck the Y'alls Lightfest, an annual holiday event from 2022 to 2024 that transformed the stadium into a . Featuring over 2.5 million dazzling lights across eight immersive themed displays, the Lightfest included an rink, visits with Santa, and family-friendly activities, operating from late November through early January each year. However, the event is on pause for the 2025-2026 season. In addition to the Lightfest, the stadium accommodates other diverse gatherings, such as concerts, corporate outings, and tournaments. For instance, musical performances like the Tacos & Tequila Festival featuring Bow Wow in October 2025 utilized the venue's open space for entertainment. Corporate groups often book holiday parties during the Lightfest season, taking advantage of the festive atmosphere for team-building events. tournaments, including competitions, further engage local participants, while the turf field occasionally supports soccer games. The stadium's contributions to the community extend to hosting local festivals and fundraisers, fostering regional engagement and support for charitable causes. Events like the annual Celebrity Classic, which features celebrities from the Greater area playing for charity, exemplify this role and draw participants and spectators to support community initiatives. To facilitate these non- uses, the stadium employs adaptable configurations, converting the field with temporary installations such as stages for concerts and synthetic skating surfaces for winter events. This versatility, leveraging the turf's durability, allows seamless transitions between baseball and other programming.

References

  1. https://florenceyalls.com/pages/about-us
  2. https://www.flobaseball.tv/articles/11081105-florence-yalls-baseball-what-to-know
  3. https://www.intheballparks.com/frontier/uc-health
  4. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/2022/03/01/florence-yalls-franchise-rename-home-park-thomas-more-stadium/6977705001/
  5. https://www.wlwt.com/article/florence-yalls-announce-new-stadium-name-partnership-with-thomas-more-university/39280710
  6. https://www.decktheyalls.com/about
  7. https://www.fox19.com/2025/10/17/deck-yalls-holiday-event-scrapped-all-star-game-organizers-say/
  8. https://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/thomas-more-stadium-florence-yalls
  9. https://cms7files.revize.com/boonecountyky/document_center/PlanningCommission/2008CentralFlorencePlan/Chapter03.pdf
  10. https://www.charliesballparks.com/st/OH-Hamilton-Foundation.htm
  11. https://linknky.com/uncategorized/2019/07/24/florence-freedom-sold-will-stay-uc-health-stadium/
  12. https://stadiumandarenavisits.com/visitsreviews/thomas-more-stadium/
  13. https://florenceyalls.com/pages/group-tickets
  14. https://florenceyalls.com/pages/yalls-a-z
  15. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Florence_Freedom
  16. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/2018/01/17/florence-freedom-announce-owner-president-clint-brown-has-died/1040564001/
  17. https://www.travelmath.com/drive-distance/from/Florence%2C%2BKY/to/Cincinnati%2C%2BOH
  18. https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/roster/t-ff11549/y-2004
  19. https://vindyarchives.com/news/2004/aug/21/galarraga-enjoys-big-year-in-angels-triple-a/
  20. https://ballparkdigest.com/20050114742/minor-league-baseball/news/archives-jan-8-jan-14-2005
  21. https://kdl.kyvl.org/digital/collection/Kenton-nkni/id/812300/
  22. https://ballparkdigest.com/20050107741/independent-baseball/news/archives-jan-1-jan-7-2005
  23. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/2019/07/24/florence-freedom-stay-put-after-ownership-change/1813036001/
  24. https://ballparkdigest.com/2019/10/04/florence-freedom-to-rebrand/
  25. https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2019/07/24/florence-freedom-sold-to-cincinnati-area.html
  26. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/kentucky/2019/10/02/florence-freedom-pro-baseball-team-have-new-name/3843745002/
  27. https://florenceyalls.com/blogs/news/florence-yalls-owners-purchase-windy-city-thunderbolts
  28. https://ballparkdigest.com/201211285893/independent-baseball/news/new-for-2013-uc-health-stadium
  29. https://www.sportspro.com/news/uc_health_acquire_naming_rights_to_frontier_league_ballpark/
  30. https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/05/25/here-s-your-chance-to-get-your-company-name-on-a.html
  31. https://ballparkdigest.com/2019/07/25/florence-freedom-sale-finalized/
  32. https://nkytribune.com/2022/03/thomas-more-university-florence-yalls-teaming-up-partnering-to-rename-ballpark-thomas-more-stadium/
  33. https://www.thomasmore.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022MoreoverSpring.pdf
  34. https://linknky.com/sports/2022/03/01/thomas-more-university-announces-partnership-with-florence-yalls/
  35. https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2022/03/01/florence-y-alls-stadium-naming-rights.html
  36. https://www.wcpo.com/news/region-northern-kentucky/thomas-more-university-announces-partnership-with-florence-yalls
  37. https://www.frontierleague.com/florence-y-alls
  38. https://linknky.com/sports/2021/09/12/yalls-clinch-division-four-earn-frontier-league-awards/
  39. https://www.frontierleague.com/history
  40. https://www.ballparkbrothers.com/thomas-more-stadium
  41. https://thomasmoresaints.com/facilities/thomas-more-stadium/3
  42. https://wilmingtonquakers.com/news/2023/3/2/3_2_2023_338
  43. https://msjlions.com/sports/baseball/schedule/2024
  44. https://nkunorse.com/news/2011/3/10/BB_0310112124.aspx
  45. https://bluegrasspreps.com/forums/topic/252674-2025-9th-region-tournament/
  46. https://linknky.com/culture/2024/11/12/thomas-more-stadium-holiday-lights/
  47. https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/boone-county/florence/florence-yalls-to-host-deck-the-yalls-holiday-lightfest-this-winter
  48. https://linknky.com/news/2025/10/27/deck-the-yalls-holiday-light-show-canceled-2025/
  49. https://www.bandsintown.com/e/107161566-bow-wow-at-thomas-more-stadium
  50. https://www.decktheyalls.com/groups
  51. https://www.facebook.com/celebritysoftballclassic/
  52. https://www.wlwt.com/article/annual-celebrity-softball-game-florence-yalls/65417100
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
Contribute something
User Avatar
No comments yet.