Regency Furniture Stadium

Blue Crabs Stadium
Home of Crustacean Nation
Blue Crabs Stadium is located in Maryland
Blue Crabs Stadium
Blue Crabs Stadium
Location within Maryland
Blue Crabs Stadium is located in the United States
Blue Crabs Stadium
Blue Crabs Stadium
Blue Crabs Stadium (the United States)
Map
Interactive map of Blue Crabs Stadium
Former namesRegency Furniture Stadium (2008–2025)
Address11765 Saint Linus Drive
Waldorf, Maryland 20602
OwnerCharles County, Maryland
OperatorOpening Day Partners; Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
Capacity6,200
Surfacegrass
Field sizeLeft Field: 310 feet (94 m)
Center Field: 400 feet (120 m)
Right Field: 325 feet (99 m)
Construction
Broke groundJuly 27, 2007
OpenedMay 2, 2008
Construction cost$25.6 million
ArchitectTetra Tech, Inc.
Tenants
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (ALPB) (2008–present)
Southern Maryland Nationals (CRCBL) (2010–2013)

Blue Crabs Stadium is a 6,200-seat baseball park in Waldorf, Maryland that hosted its first regular season baseball game on May 2, 2008, as the tenants of the facility, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs defeated the Lancaster Barnstormers, 3–2. For the 2010 baseball season, the collegiate summer Southern Maryland Nationals of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League will play select games at the venue. The CRSCBL previously used Blue Crabs Stadium for the Mid-Atlantic Classic (see below). With the groundbreaking for Southern Maryland's new stadium, a local company, Regency Furniture, purchased the naming rights for $2.88 million over 10 years.[1][2][3]

Blue Crabs Stadium is capped by sloping red roofs, similar to the architecture of Churchill Downs, designed to pay homage to the Southern Maryland region's tobacco barns.[4] The left field wall of the ballpark bears a door that allows players to enter the field from the locker room, modeled after the Green Monster at Fenway Park.[5]

History

In 1985, Charles County initiated plans to build a ballpark for the relocated Kinston Indians of the Carolina League. Construction workers even cleared trees to prepare the site, however, the ballpark planning eventually fell through. After county commissioners balked on the construction, $500,000 in public funds were paid to cancel signed contracts and undo the progress made during site preparation. The A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians remained in Kinston, and the Southern Maryland region was without a professional baseball team for another 23 years.[6]

In 2004, a company called Opening Day Partners renewed interest for a Charles County ballpark. The stadium was originally slated to be built in the town of Hughesville, but the residents voted against it in order to maintain the "rural charm" of the area. After Hughesville residents denied the ballpark, all interest shifted to Waldorf, a bedroom community of Washington, D.C.[7] The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball formally announced an expansion team for Waldorf on February 15, 2006, to begin play in the 2008 season.[8] The Blue Crabs were originally supposed to be an expansion team for the 2007 season, but the construction bids for Blue Crabs Stadium came in over budget. The ballpark instead opened in 2008.

In May 2007, commissioners from Charles County approved a $19 million bid for the construction of Blue Crabs Stadium.[9] The groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 27, 2007, with Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley in attendance and CEO of Regency Furniture.[10]

2024 bouncy house incident

On August 3, 2024, an incident occurred at the stadium where a bouncy house was unexpectedly lifted by a strong gust of wind; this led to the bouncy house becoming airborne and flipping over. At the time of the incident, there were two children inside the bouncy house and both children fell approximately fifteen feet (from where the bouncy house was airborne) to the baseball field. One child, a 5-year-old from nearby La Plata, was killed, and the other child was seriously injured.[11]

Several attendees alleged that, before the incident happened, the bouncy house had not been properly tied-down and employees were on their phones, not supervising the children. Following the incident, several claims of similar bouncy house incidents (specifically in 2010 and 2012) were made, which led to the bouncy house being permanently removed; these claims, however, have never been officially confirmed. The 2024 incident was the only one that proved to be fatal.[12]

Proposed renovations and additions

On January 9, 2026, it was announced that the stadium was expected to undergo a $38 million renovation, which would include upgrades to the stadium as well as construction of a new clubhouse and training center. The project would be funded by the Maryland Stadium Authority and would not use county tax dollars. State officials have said that the stadium is in need of capital improvements in order to meet Atlantic League and professional development league facility standards for continued safe operation. If the plans go through, it is unknown when renovations for the stadium would begin.[13]

Ballpark attractions

Blue Crabs Stadium's concession stands were previously all named after Hall of Famer and former team co-owner Brooks Robinson, featuring the MVP Grill, the Gold Glove Grill, Hall of Fame Seafood, the Hot Corner Carvery, the All-Star Pizzeria, and Five's Fare. Among the more common ballpark fare, the menu featured several seafood-themed concessions such as the sea dog (fish on a hot dog bun), fried rockfish, crab cakes, crab balls, and the crab-filled soft pretzel.[14] A tent-covered picnic area, formerly known as the Texas Roadhouse Corral, overlooks left field. Beer was available at the Backfin Pale Ale brewery.[15] Starting with the 2017 season, the stadium features a dedicated concession stand offering food from Chickie's & Pete's, a Philadelphia-area sports bar, as well as hot dogs from Nick's of Clinton (a local provider), Domino's Pizza, Rita's Italian Ice custard cookie sandwiches, Dippin' Dots, and Pepsi products.

Children at the ballpark can enjoy Pinch's Playground, which includes a rock climbing wall and various recreational amenities. Additional attractions include the Crab Shack, the Blue Crabs' souvenir store, and the Legends Club, a facility designed for business conferences or parties.

Crabby Cove

Crabby Cove is a 54,000-gallon, artificial pond with 4 paddle boats young guests can ride. Safety netting prevents incoming baseballs from injuring patrons of Crabby Cove.

Basketball Court

For the 2016 season, the team installed two basketball hoops on a court past the left-centerfield wall. Guests are encouraged to play during any home game.

Special events

Concerts

The first concert at Blue Crabs Stadium featured the rock band REO Speedwagon, who played to a crowd of over 4,000 on August 11, 2008.[16] The ballpark also hosted a series of Southern Maryland Country Music Festival performances that included Craig Morgan, Gary Allan, John Luskey Band, Shooter Jennings, and SwampDaWamp.[17] Trace Adkins, another notable country musician, was scheduled to perform on July 4, 2009, for a tribute to the United States Armed Forces. Hip hop artists T-Pain and Flo Rida performed on June 6, 2009.[18] The rock band 3 Doors Down was booked for August 14, but moved when Kool Productions was offered a better deal by National Harbor with a potential of attendance up to and over 15,000. The two remaining shows for Blue Crabs Stadium were also moved to National Harbor.[19]

Mid-Atlantic Classic

On July 15, 2009, Blue Crabs Stadium hosted the inaugural Mid-Atlantic Classic, which the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League All-Stars defeated the Valley Baseball League All-Stars, 2–1. The game was televised on MASN.

Soccer

On July 13, 2009, Blue Crabs Stadium hosted an exhibition soccer match between Crystal Palace F.C., a Football League Championship team based in London, and its U.S. affiliate, Crystal Palace Baltimore.[20] The game was nationally televised in the United States by the Fox Soccer Channel. The English team beat the American team, 5–2.

Crabfest All American Games

In 2014 Blue Crabs Stadium hosted the second Crabfest All American Games, which is a high school and youth all-star baseball event with players from the Mid-Atlantic Region competing for spots on the CrabFest All American Teams.[21] The game was televised on All In Broadcasting.[citation needed] Crabfest returned to Blue Crabs Stadium again in 2016.[22]

Maryland Championship Wrestling Base Brawl

Blue Crabs Stadium hosted its first professional wrestling event in its history on Saturday, June 18, 2016, featuring the performers of Maryland Championship Wrestling. Headliners XPac, Billy Gunn, and Ron Simmons helped attract a large crowd for the event.

High school graduations

Blue Crabs Stadium hosts high school graduation ceremonies for all seven high schools within the Charles County Public Schools system.[23]

References

  1. ^ "Regency Furniture Stadium Announced". Southern Maryland Baseball. April 3, 2006. Archived from the original on May 4, 2006. Retrieved May 16, 2006.
  2. ^ Zak, Dan (April 6, 2006). "One Step Closer to Opening Day". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  3. ^ Brody, Alan (April 5, 2006). "Stadium name will be fit for a king". Maryland Independent. Archived from the original on August 18, 2006. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  4. ^ Rucker, Philip (December 13, 2006). "Blue Crabs' Starting Season Stalls". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 14, 2006.
  5. ^ Greenwell, Megan (May 4, 2008). "'Crustacean Nation' Arrives". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  6. ^ Greenwell, Megan (May 2, 2008). "Charles scores one for the home team". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 2, 2008.
  7. ^ Goldenbach, Alan (February 17, 2006). "Minor League Team Is Coming to Charles County". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 4, 2008.
  8. ^ "Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Approves Minor League Team for Southern Maryland". Southern Maryland Baseball. February 15, 2006. Archived from the original on May 5, 2006. Retrieved June 5, 2006.
  9. ^ "RFS funding approved". The Daily Times. Salisbury, Maryland. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved May 25, 2007.
  10. ^ Dailey, Anna (July 27, 2007). "Officials Excited at Stadium Groundbreaking". The BayNet. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  11. ^ Johnston, Sean (August 4, 2024). "Blue Crabs Had Previous Similar Incident To Friday's Fatal "Bouncy House" Tragedy, Eyewitnesses Claim". The BayNet. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  12. ^ Johnston, Sean (August 8, 2024). "New Eyewitnesses Detail Neglect In Lead-up To Blue Crabs "Bouncy House" Fatal Disaster Last Week". The BayNet. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  13. ^ Jennings, Jessica (January 9, 2026). "Commissioners Support $38M Blue Crabs Stadium Upgrade For Blue Crabs". The BayNet. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  14. ^ Reichard, Kevin (2008). "Ballpark Digest -- Ballpark Visits -- Regency Furniture Stadium / Southern Maryland Blue Craws". Ballpark Digest. August Publications. Archived from the original on October 9, 2008. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  15. ^ "Blue Crabs FAQs".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  16. ^ Mercer, Dickson (August 13, 2008). "Old-timers REO break in new stadium". Maryland Independent. Archived from the original on January 15, 2015. Retrieved February 28, 2009.
  17. ^ Mercer, Dickson (September 19, 2008). "Craig Morgan: the festival's mystery guest star". Maryland Independent. Archived from the original on August 7, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2009.
  18. ^ "Regency Furniture Stadium to rock once again in summer 2009". Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. March 19, 2009. Archived from the original on December 23, 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  19. ^ "3 Doors Down at the Ballpark". Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. August 14, 2009. Archived from the original on June 24, 2009. Retrieved June 22, 2009.
  20. ^ "Regency Furniture Stadium to host world class soccer". Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. July 13, 2009. Archived from the original on June 26, 2009. Retrieved June 4, 2009.
  21. ^ "Regency Furniture Stadium to Host". CrabFest.biz. May 17, 2014. Archived from the original on April 16, 2016. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  22. ^ Black, Ted (June 24, 2016). "Crabfest gives local baseball players another chance to shine". Maryland Independent. Archived from the original on August 6, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  23. ^ "CCPS releases high school Class of 2026 graduation schedule". Charles County Public Schools. November 21, 2025. Retrieved January 15, 2026.

38°33′45″N 76°54′13″W / 38.56250°N 76.90361°W / 38.56250; -76.90361

allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regency_Furniture_Stadium