John Cropp Stadium

John Cropp Stadium was opened in April 2013 and named in honor of John Cropp, the longtime administrator at Kentucky. Cropp spent more than half a century in athletics, including 20-plus years as an administrator at Kentucky, and worked directly with the Wildcat softball program since its inception in 1997 until his retirement.

“There are people who transcend institutions and generations while making an impact on the lives of many,” Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said at the stadium’s dedication. “John has been that person in college athletics and at the University of Kentucky. His wisdom and love for athletes, coaches and staff have been a blessing to all of us and we are honored and proud to have worked with him. This is a fitting tribute for all he has done for our softball program, our athletic department and our University.”

April 13, 2013 marked the official grand opening of the new stadium, which features 1,500 seats, a spacious press box, two luxury suites and a first-class indoor hitting/fielding facility complete with a locker room, team lounge and offices.

During his two-plus decades with UK Athletics, Cropp was instrumental in a number of different programs, most notably football and softball. During his tenure, Cropp has witnessed the newborn softball program emerge into a nationally prominent squad.

Less than a month after its opening, John Cropp Stadium was the site of the 2013 Southeastern Conference Tournament, which marked the first time the program played host to the nationally recognized four-day tournament for the conference’s automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

Driving Directions

From the Bluegrass Parkway
When the Parkway ends you exit right onto route 60 (Versailles Road), go approximately 10 miles and turn right on Mason Headley Road beside Cardinal Hill Hospital. Continue straight through the lights, you will pass a golf course and the Campbell House Inn. At the light continue straight through the intersection onto Waller Ave. along side St. Joseph’s Hospital. Pass over the railroad tracks and continue straight through the light to the intersection of Nicholasville Rd. and Cooper Drive. Proceed on Cooper Drive onto campus and turn right on Sports Center Drive (2nd traffic light). Turn left at the 3-way stop in front of Nutter Field House. John Cropp Stadium is located on the left, past the Nutter Field House.

Going South I-75/I-64 E or W towards Lexington
Take exit 113 (marked Paris/Lexington), turn right off the exit ramp onto N. Broadway (U.S. 68), and continue through downtown for approximately 6 miles. After Logan’s Steakhouse take a left at the intersection onto Waller Ave. along side St. Joseph Hospital. Pass over the railroad tracks and continue straight through the light at the intersection of Nicholasville Rd. to Cooper Drive. Proceed on Cooper Drive onto campus and turn right on Sports Center Drive (2nd traffic light). Turn left at the 3-way stop in front of Nutter Field House. John Cropp Stadium is located on the left, past the Nutter Field House.

Going North on I-75 from Knoxville
Take exit 104 (marked Athens/ Lexington), turn left off of the ramp onto Athens Boonesboro Road. Take a left at the intersection of Richmond Rd. & Man O’ War. Follow Man O’ War to the intersection at Alumni Dr. and take a right. Follow Alumni Drive through the Tates Creek intersection. Turn right on College Way. John Cropp Stadium is located on the right.

Facility Facts

Opened: 2013
Cost: $9.5 million
Capacity: 1,417 chair back and bleacher seating, 200 standing room only and 500 in outfield berm seating
Dimensions: Left: 200 Center: 220 Right: 200
Playing Surface: Outfield – perennial rye grass; Infield – skinned clay, clay base/calcined top dressing
Dugouts: Enclosed with bathroom facilities in each. UK -3rd base line; Visitors – 1st base line
Bullpens: Open air in foul territories near respective dugouts