By Thomas Grant Jr.
The stadium formerly known as “Wildcat Hollow” is receiving another upgrade in its newest form.
Now home of the Lexington County Blowfish, Lexington County Baseball Stadium is getting a new playing surface. Construction is underway to install AstroTurf, replacing the natural grass previously used for Lexington High School football and, more recently, for high school, collegiate, and Blowfish baseball.
“This upgrade is a game-changer for the Lexington County Blowfish and our community,” Blowfish co-owner Bill Shanahan says in a press release. “AstroTurf ensures our athletes play on a top-tier, reliable surface night in and night out. This new AstroTurf field provides a professional-grade experience for our summer collegiate players, significantly enhancing the quality of play and solidifying the stadium as a premier destination for baseball in the Coastal Plain League and beyond.”
The Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission is once again overseeing stadium improvements, financed through a county bond referendum approved in 2024.
The commission leases the stadium to the Blowfish during the summer months of the Coastal Plain League season. According to LCRAC Executive Director Randy Gibson, the change to a synthetic, multi-purpose surface benefits more than just the Blowfish by reducing weather-related cancellations due to improved drainage.
In the release, Gibson says the upgrade enables Lexington County to host high school and collegiate baseball tournaments, camps, and other community events. In recent years, the stadium has been utilized by the P27 Baseball program out of Lexington and Northeast Division II programs.
“We are excited to partner with AstroTurf to elevate Lexington County Baseball Stadium,” Gibson says. “This investment underscores our commitment to providing top-tier facilities for our community and visiting teams.”
Justin Steele, LCRAC director of maintenance, adds that additional upgrades include a new backstop and dugout padding. He expects the project to be completed by March 1, two months ahead of the Blowfish’s home opener.
Along with the new field, the Blowfish are unveiling new jerseys as part of an annual tradition since moving from Columbia to Lexington.
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the team is wearing American Revolution–themed jerseys this season.
The back of the jersey features a copy of the historic document that established the United States of America. The front displays the Blowfish name along with the number 76, printed in Caslon font used during that era.
The sleeves feature team sponsor Carolina Comfort with Deuteronomy 28:9 on one side and “In God We Trust” on the other.
As with previous promotions, bidding for the jerseys is underway at www.blowfishbaseball.com and continues through the regular season finale in August. Proceeds from the auction benefit a local charitable organization.
Another Blowfish-sponsored charitable event takes place Feb. 15 with the 12th annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff.
A collaboration between the Blowfish and Old Mill Brewpub co-owners John and Kelly Clinger, the event invites the public to sample chili prepared by various organizations. It begins at noon at the Icehouse Amphitheater in downtown Lexington.
Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Proceeds benefit local charities within Lexington County, including the Town of Lexington Police Foundation.