Bethune Cookman: Where is| Athletics| Football stadium| Baseball

Introduction

Bethune–Cookman University (B-CU) is a prominent historically Black university located in Daytona Beach, Florida. Known for its rich heritage, strong academic programs, and competitive athletics, B-CU is home to the Wildcats, whose sports teams compete in NCAA Division I. This article explores where Bethune–Cookman is, its athletic culture, and details about its football and baseball stadiums.

Where Is Bethune–Cookman University?

Bethune–Cookman University is situated at 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida.
Founded in 1904 by the visionary educator Mary McLeod Bethune, the university has evolved into a private, accredited institution.
It is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
With an enrollment of around 3,000+ students, B-CU combines strong academics with a vibrant, community-centered campus.

Athletics at Bethune–Cookman

Bethune–Cookman’s sports teams are known as the Wildcats, and they compete in NCAA Division I under the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
The university supports a variety of athletic programs, including football, baseball, basketball, track and field, volleyball, and more.
The Wildcats’ colors are maroon and gold, and their mascot, Wil D. Cat, is a central part of the school’s athletic identity.

Football – Bethune–Cookman Stadium

• The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats football team plays its home games at Daytona Stadium, also known as Larry Kelly Field.

• Daytona Stadium opened in 1988 and has a seating capacity of about 10,000.

• The field is named after Lawrence J. “Larry” Kelly, a former mayor of Daytona Beach.

• The stadium is city-owned and serves multiple purposes: apart from B-CU games, it hosts high school football and other events.

• In 2018, the stadium underwent renovations to modernize its facilities.

• Game-day at Daytona Stadium is known for its lively, family-friendly atmosphere, especially with the Wildcats’ band – The Marching Wildcats – who bring energy and tradition to every home game.

• The Wildcats returned to their home stadium in full force in recent seasons, hosting multiple home games.

Baseball – Jackie Robinson Ballpark

• Bethune–Cookman’s baseball team plays at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, located in Daytona Beach at 105 East Orange Avenue, on City Island.

• This historic ballpark originally opened in 1914, making it one of the older active minor-league–style ballparks in the U.S.

• The stadium’s capacity is about 4,200 spectators.

• Over the years, it has been renovated (in 1930, 1951, 1962, 1973, and 1999) to preserve its charm while improving facilities.

• Jackie Robinson Ballpark is more than just a university field — it’s steeped in civil rights history: in 1946, Jackie Robinson played there during spring training, breaking racial barriers in baseball.

• The ballpark is jointly used by the Daytona Tortugas (a minor league team) and the Wildcats.

• A statue of Jackie Robinson stands at the south entrance, honoring his legacy.

Significance of Athletics at Bethune–Cookman

Bethune–Cookman’s athletic programs are more than just sports — they reflect legacy, pride, and community:

1. Historic Legacy: As an HBCU, B-CU has produced strong athletes and has a tradition of excellence, particularly in baseball where they won multiple conference championships.

2. Community Engagement: Game days unite students, alumni, and locals. The football stadium’s tailgates and the presence of the Marching Wildcats band make for vibrant events.

3. Cultural Heritage: Playing at Jackie Robinson Ballpark ties the university to a profound moment in civil rights history.

4. Growth and Change: Since joining the SWAC in 2021, B-CU has continued to develop its athletic programs on a national scale.

Conclusion

Bethune–Cookman University, located in sunny Daytona Beach, Florida, is not just an academic institution—it’s a hub for athletic pride and historical significance. From the roar of the crowd at Daytona Stadium during Wildcats football games to the historic charm of Jackie Robinson Ballpark in baseball, B-CU’s athletic facilities embody tradition, resilience, and community spirit. Whether you’re drawn to its academic offerings or its sporting heritage, Bethune–Cookman stands as a beacon of excellence.