Pop Lloyd Stadium Reopens: A Celebrated Piece of Atlantic City History, Reimagined for the Future

Pop Lloyd Stadium Reopens: Honoring a Legacy, Investing in the Future

With cheers from the community and pride from city leaders, Pop Lloyd Stadium officially reopened on Tuesday, April 29, following a $5.6 million transformation that turned the historic field into a vibrant, multi-sport complex designed to serve Atlantic City for generations to come.

More than a ribbon-cutting, the event marked the revival of a legacy. Named after Hall of Famer and Negro League legend John Henry “Pop” Lloyd, the stadium now stands as a living monument to Atlantic City’s deep-rooted Black history and a symbol of its forward-looking investment in community infrastructure.

Mayor Marty Small Sr., standing at home plate alongside local officials and residents, spoke with heartfelt conviction about the journey to this moment. He shared that the vision began on November 8, 2019, when he first pledged to breathe new life into the aging stadium.

“This is a gift for the community,” Mayor Small said.

That vision was brought to life with funding primarily from the American Rescue Plan, transforming the deteriorated ballfield into a modern, multi-sport venue. The once overgrown grass and worn infield have been replaced with navy blue artificial turf, marked with bold red infield lines. New bleachers, dugouts, LED lighting, scoreboard, sound system, locker rooms, restrooms, and fencing now surround the field, making it a premier destination for baseball, softball, flag football, and other sports.

“This is how government should work,” said Councilman Kaleem Shabazz. “Pop Lloyd is part of American history. If not for segregation, he would’ve been a Major League star. This stadium isn’t just a field—it’s a sacred space where we remember, honor, and preserve that legacy.”

Born in 1884, John Henry “Pop” Lloyd is remembered as one of the greatest shortstops in Negro League history. Beyond the field, he served the Atlantic City community as a school custodian, mentor, and respected local figure known for his humility and dedication.

Among those honoring his memory was Ron Jordan, 90, a longtime resident and Indiana Avenue School alum who met Lloyd as a boy.

“As time went on, I realized just how much he gave to the game,” Jordan said, recalling a visit to Cooperstown to see Pop Lloyd’s plaque in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

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Jordan introduced Pedro Sierra, 86, a former Negro Leagues pitcher from Cuba who later played in the minor leagues for the Minnesota Twins and Washington Senators.

“I’m thankful for all the men who came before me and opened doors for players like me,” Sierra said.

The day also featured remarks from Councilman Aaron “Sporty” Randolph, Councilwoman Stephanie Marshall, William “Speedy” Marsh, and others, all united in celebration of a milestone that blends sports, history, and community revitalization.

The reopening of Pop Lloyd Stadium is one piece of a larger puzzle. Just weeks earlier, the city celebrated the return of the Atlantic City Aquarium, another major renovation funded through federal COVID-19 relief. These projects are part of Mayor Small’s broader strategy to reinvest in Atlantic City’s public assets and elevate quality of life for residents.

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City Business Administrator Anthony Swan emphasized the importance of community stewardship:

“We spent a lot of time, money, and effort to bring this to the people. Let’s protect it.”

For Mike Griffin, Director of Recreation, the reopening felt deeply personal.

“I grew up riding past this stadium, watching casino leagues play, and even playing here as a student,” he said.
“Now I get to oversee it for the next generation. It’s a full-circle moment.”

Griffin shared that since Mayor Small declared the stadium “open for business,” the Recreation Department has been flooded with inquiries. The first game—a high school baseball matchup between Atlantic City and Oakcrest—is scheduled for Thursday, May 1. Adult softball leagues and other recreational programs will soon follow.

“This is going to be something that doesn’t exist anywhere else in South Jersey,” Griffin added.

Now equipped to host baseball, football, soccer, and more, the revitalized Pop Lloyd Stadium is once again a hub of community pride and athletic opportunity—a place where the past is honored and the future takes the field.

Pop Lloyd Stadium is located next to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School on Huron Avenue in Atlantic City. It is managed by the Atlantic City Recreation Department and is available for public use and event rentals.