Monarchs Return to Home Field After Season on the Road

Old Dominion baseball team plays first home game at Ellmer Family Baseball Complex since May 2024.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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After playing the entire 2025 season on the road, the Old Dominion baseball team is excited to return to their home field, the Ellmer Family Baseball Complex, for their 2026 season opener against Quinnipiac this Friday. Though the stadium is still under construction, the team is looking forward to the homefield advantage and being able to sleep in their own beds during the season.

Why it matters

The Monarchs had to play all of their 2025 home games at other stadiums around the Hampton Roads area, which was physically and mentally challenging for the team. Being able to return to their home field, even with limited fan access during the construction, is a big boost for the program and its loyal supporters.

The details

Old Dominion's home stadium, the Ellmer Family Baseball Complex, is still undergoing renovations, so the main grandstand and seating areas behind home plate will not be accessible to fans for at least the start of the 2026 season. The team has installed temporary bleachers in left and center field to accommodate some spectators. Despite the ongoing construction, the Monarchs are excited to finally play on their home diamond after a season spent entirely on the road in 2025.

  • Old Dominion's last home game was on May 12, 2024.
  • The Monarchs' 2026 season opener is this Friday, February 11.

The players

Chris Finwood

The head coach of the Old Dominion baseball team.

Scotty Young

A senior outfielder on the Old Dominion baseball team.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to physically watch this stadium get completed as our season unfolds. We'd love it if it was done, but it's not. It's where we're at and we're going to take advantage and embrace being able to play on our field.”

— Chris Finwood, Head Coach (wtkr.com)

“It gives us a little homefield advantage. We're used to it. We've played 30 games here already in the preseason, so I think it definitely gives us an advantage that we're looking forward to, but it'll be special. It's baseball, right?”

— Scotty Young, Senior Outfielder (wtkr.com)

What’s next

The Monarchs will play their season opener against Quinnipiac this Friday, February 11 at 2 p.m. at the Ellmer Family Baseball Complex.

The takeaway

After a challenging 2025 season spent entirely on the road, the Old Dominion baseball team is eager to return to their home field, even with ongoing stadium renovations. The Monarchs are looking forward to the homefield advantage and being able to play in front of their loyal fans once again.