Pop Lloyd Stadium Renovation: A New Era for Community Sports in Atlantic City

A historic chapter in Atlantic City’s story is being revitalized with the groundbreaking of the Pop Lloyd Stadium renovation project, transforming the iconic baseball field into a multipurpose sports complex. Mayor Marty Small Sr., city officials, and community members gathered today to celebrate the $5.6-million project that promises to benefit Atlantic City’s youth and the broader community for generations to come.

The renovation will preserve the stadium’s legacy while introducing modern features, including stunning artificial blue turf, new dugouts, locker rooms, bleachers, restrooms, lighting, fencing, and a scoreboard. Beyond its baseball roots, the redesigned stadium will host football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and other sports, as well as community activities. Pergolas will be added for public use, creating a versatile space for recreation and gathering.

“Pop Lloyd Stadium has been in disrepair for quite some time, but we are turning it back into the treasure it once was,” said Mayor Small. “My vision is to preserve the historic fabric of this iconic field while creating a multisport complex for future generations to enjoy. This project is a testament to the collaboration and dedication of many individuals in our City departments.”

Named after Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and Negro League star John Henry ‘Pop’ Lloyd, who lived and worked in Atlantic City, the stadium was built in the late 1940s and has long been a cornerstone of the city’s sports history. While it fell into disuse in the 1990s, the new renovations aim to reestablish it as a thriving hub of activity.

“Maintaining the legacy of this field, which has become iconic to Atlantic City, is our mission,” said Jacques Howard, the city’s Planning and Development Director. “We’re elated to have found through studies that the structure can be preserved, allowing us to honor its past while shaping its future.”

Atlantic City Recreation Director Mike Griffin highlighted the importance of the project for the community. “This new field will create opportunities for Atlantic City youth, exposing them to new sports and giving them a safe, dynamic space to grow. Recreation saved my life when I was younger, and I hope this field will have a similar impact on today’s kids.”

Construction, led by Atlantic City-based Weatherby Construction Company, is expected to be completed by Fall 2024, with the stadium fully operational by the Spring 2025 sports season. The project is funded through the American Rescue Plan ($4 million), 2022 Supplemental Transitional Aid ($1 million), and an additional $601,450 of ARP funding from the State of New Jersey. The Recreation Division will manage the new facility, overseeing events and programs.

The Pop Lloyd Stadium renovation project represents more than just a construction effort—it is a celebration of Atlantic City’s history, a commitment to its future, and a testament to the enduring power of community investment.