Historic Dodgertown
VERO BEACH, Fla. – Historic Dodgertown will welcome four prominent Division I universities this coming February for another new event to the Vero Beach community. In conjunction with the Treasure Coast Sports Commission, the Historic Dodgertown Classic presented by Donadio & Associates and Velde Ford Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center will welcome University of Pittsburgh, The Ohio State University, University of Toledo and Niagara University February 19th – 21st, 2016.
“The Treasure Coast Sports Commission is excited to partner with Historic Dodgertown in hosting the Historic Dodgertown Classic”, said Rick Hatcher, Executive Director of the Treasure Coast Sports Commission. “This is going to be a first class NCAA Division I Baseball tournament at a first class venue. This will be a perfect opportunity for baseball fans in the area, to come out and catch some great baseball.”
The event was facilitated by Historic Dodgertown Vice President, Jeff Biddle, and University of Pittsburgh Head Coach, Joe Jordano. The Spring Training program at Historic Dodgertown has grown to hosting 175 high schools and colleges in 2015, but this will be the first series seeing Division I teams compete in a round robin weekend.
“We are very much looking forward to hosting this first annual spring classic at Historic Dodgertown”, stated Pitt Head Coach Joe Jordano. “With all of the incredible history that permeates throughout Dodgertown, I believe it will be a great weekend of baseball to open up the 2016 Collegiate Baseball season. We look forward to great crowds, great weather and of course, some great baseball.”
Ohio State Head Coach, Greg Beals, supported the excitement of opening the season in Vero Beach, “the Buckeyes are excited to be part of the Historic Dodgertown Classic and have the opportunity to play at a legendary facility. We look forward to the great weather, continued hospitality and strong competition.”
In hosting schools with strong tradition and a widespread alumni base, Vero Beach architect Anthony Donadio, of Donadio & Associates, jumped at the chance to sponsor the event. “As an alumnus of The Ohio State OSU Baseball Team playing at Historic Dodgertown; in our own backyard. It is also a great opportunity for the local residents and the many Vero Beach and surrounding area Ohio State Alumni to support this Tournament, along with helping to add to the economic impact for local businesses during this Baseball Tournament weekend. Go Bucks!”
The tentative schedule is as follows: Friday
3:00pm Niagara vs OSU
6:30pm Pitt vs Toledo Saturday
11:00am OSU vs Toledo 2:15pm Pitt vs Niagara
5:30pm OSU vs Pitt
8:30pm Toledo vs Niagara Sunday
11:00am Pitt vs Toledo2:15pm OSU vs Niagara
Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Historic Dodgertown Hotel Registration after January 1, 2016. Daily tickets are good for all games on that day. Prices for Friday or Sunday are $7, Saturday is $12 while a full tournament pass is $25. Kids 12 & under are just $3 while those 3& under are free. For more ticket information, please call the Historic Dodgertown Hotel Registration at (772) 569-4900.
About Historic Dodgertown – Vero Beach, Florida
Historic Dodgertown – Vero Beach, Florida is a multi-sport, 80-acre complex on Florida’s Treasure Coast managed by former Dodger owner Peter O’Malley in a partnership since 2012. O’Malley, whose family developed and expanded the site formerly known as “Dodgertown” for nearly 50 years, partnered with his sister Terry O’Malley Seidler and former Dodger star pitchers Chan Ho Park and Hideo Nomo.
The home of Dodger Spring Trainings from 1948-2008, it was the starting place for six World Championships and 14 N.L. Pennant- winning teams. Numerous Baseball Hall of Fame players trained on these hallowed grounds, as well as 20 visits from professional teams in Asia.
The all-inclusive facility, owned by Indian River County, gives teams of all ages the unique opportunity to train, play, dine and stay together in on-site villas. Participants utilize one of 10 ½ playing fields (seven are Musco-lighted for night games), including a new cloverleaf of youth baseball/softball fields with concessions area and new multi-purpose field (110 by 150 yards) for football, soccer and lacrosse. Other amenities include clubhouses, two full-sized weight rooms, dining room, Stadium Club lounge and a competition-size swimming pool. The home of 6,500-seat Holman Stadium, Historic Dodgertown – Vero Beach, Florida provides an all-encompassing experience for guests and is the ideal setting to build a championship team. It’s the perfect location for tournaments, camps, schools, business conferences and seminars. Visit historicdodgertown.com for more information.
