Progress Continues at Historic Joanna Stadium as Hornets Prepare to Return Home
June 24, 2026
A ballpark once left overgrown and forgotten is steadily being transformed into a first-class baseball facility and community gathering place, as restoration work continues at Historic Joanna Stadium.
The project, led by The Joanna Project, is moving forward on the field, infrastructure and stadium improvements that organizers say will bring the Joanna Hornets back to their home field after more than 70 years.
“Every day this stadium looks more like the vision we set out to achieve, and every bit of progress is a credit to the people who believe in this community,” said Michael Riefsnyder. “We are not just rebuilding a ballpark. We are restoring a place where families, players and neighbors will come together for generations.”
When completed, Joanna Stadium will feature a Tifway 419 natural grass playing surface, a professional-grade infield skin and a nine-zone irrigation system. Plans also call for two 48-foot dugouts, protective netting throughout the facility, batting tunnels and bullpen areas, fully enclosed six-foot perimeter fencing and seating for more than 1,300 fans.
The field will stretch 335 feet down the left field line, 382 feet to left-center, 370 feet to right-center and 325 feet down the right field line. Organizers say the dimensions position Joanna Stadium to become one of the premier collegiate summer baseball venues in the region.
While significant progress has been made, work remains before the Hornets can take the field in their historic home. Organizers said every donation, volunteer hour and shared message helps move the project forward.
The Joanna Project is asking the community to help complete the restoration. Donations can be made at thejoannaproject.org/donate.
Together, organizers said, the effort is restoring more than a baseball stadium. It is restoring a community landmark, preserving history and bringing the Hornets home.
