Spec Martin Stadium

Spec Martin Stadium is a 6,000 seat football stadium located in DeLand, Florida. Spec Martin Stadium currently hosts Stetson Hatters football, DeLand High School Bulldog football and was the host of the Central Florida Warriors rugby league team.[1] The stadium was known as DeLand Municipal Stadium from is opening in 1941 until it was renamed in 1973.[2][3]

Spec Martin Stadium
Former namesDeLand Municipal Stadium (1941–1973)
Location260 East Euclid Avenue, DeLand, Florida
Coordinates29.020124°N 81.300010°W / 29.020124; -81.300010
OwnerCity of DeLand, Florida
OperatorCity of DeLand, Florida
Capacity6,000
Construction
Built1941
Tenants
Stetson Hatters football (NCAA) (2014–Present)
Central Florida Warriors (USA Rugby League) (2014–2017)

History

The stadium had served as home of the Stetson University Hatters football team before the school discontinued its football program in 1956, and in 2013 it once again featured Hatters football when Stetson started play in the Pioneer Football League after a 57-year hiatus.

Renovations

As part of Stetson's re-entry into college football, Spec Martin Stadium underwent significant renovations, including a new press box, handicapped and premium seating areas, and new locker room facilities.[4]

Notable events

On February 2, 1985, the stadium hosted a USFL exhibition game pitting the newly-relocated Orlando Renegades against the defending (and eventual) champion Baltimore Stars. About 3,000 fans showed up to watch the Renegades win, 16-10.[5]

Spec Martin was a filming location for the 1998 film The Waterboy starring Adam Sandler. In the movie, the stadium depicted the home field of the fictional South Central Louisiana State Mud Dogs.[6]

The stadium hosted a qualifying match between Canada and Jamaica for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup on December 8, 2015. The match ended in an 18–18 draw; neither team qualified for the World Cup, as they both lost qualifying matches to the USA.

See also

References
  1. "Spec Martin Stadium (City of DeLand)". sportsvolusia.com. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
  2. "DeLand Stadium Gets $9,327 Works Grant". Orlando Morning Sentinel. Orlando, Florida. April 17, 1941. p. 3. Retrieved January 1, 2022 – via Newspapers.com open access.
  3. Hubert, Deven (November 16, 1973). "DeLand High Students Get Report Cards Today". Volusia Sentinel Star. Orlando, Florida. p. 4. Retrieved January 1, 2022 – via Newspapers.com open access.
  4. DEFEO, ANTHONY (July 24, 2013). "Spec Martin Memorial Stadium project coming 'down to the wire'". News-JournalOnline.com. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
  5. "A starry-starry start for Renegades", Orlando Sentinel, February 3, 1985, page C-1
  6. "The Waterboy - Filming Locations". IMDB.com. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
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