Pop Lloyd Stadium Reopens: A Tribute to Atlantic City History and a Gift to the Future

With cheers from the community and pride from city leaders, Pop Lloyd Stadium officially reopened on Tuesday following a $5.6 million renovation that transformed the historic site into a vibrant, multi-sport facility for future generations.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked not just the reopening of a field, but the revival of a legacy. Named in honor of Hall of Famer and Negro League legend John Henry “Pop” Lloyd, the stadium now stands as a living monument to both Atlantic City’s deep-rooted Black history and its ongoing investment in community.

Mayor Marty Small Sr., joined by local officials and residents, addressed the crowd at home plate with heartfelt conviction. He shared that the vision for this transformation began on November 8, 2019, when he first committed to turning the aging stadium into a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose complex.

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

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The renovation, funded largely through the American Rescue Plan, replaced overgrown grass and a deteriorated infield with a gleaming navy blue artificial turf, accented with bright red infield markings. The revitalized stadium now features new bleachers, dugouts, lighting, a scoreboard, sound system, locker rooms, restrooms, and fencing. It is equipped to host baseball, softball, flag football, and other sports, serving local residents while attracting regional play.

“This is how government should work,” said Councilman Kaleem Shabazz. “Pop Lloyd is part of American history. If there wasn’t segregation and discrimination, he would’ve been a Major League star. This stadium is not just a baseball field, it’s part of our country’s history. We have a solemn duty to tell his story and preserve this legacy.”

Born in 1884, John Henry “Pop” Lloyd was one of the greatest shortstops in Negro League history. After his playing career, he worked as a custodian in Atlantic City’s public schools and was remembered for his humility, mentorship, and enduring presence in the community.

Ron Jordan, 90, a longtime resident and Indiana Avenue School alum, recalled meeting Lloyd in his youth.

“As time went on, I learned just how much he contributed to baseball,” Jordan said, noting that he later visited the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., to see Lloyd’s plaque.

Jordan then introduced Pedro Sierra, 86, a former Negro Leagues pitcher from Cuba who also 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 shared.

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The relaunch of Pop Lloyd Stadium is part of Mayor Small’s broader strategy to reinvest in Atlantic City’s public assets. Just weeks ago, the city celebrated the reopening of the Atlantic City Aquarium, another revitalization project funded by the federal COVID-19 relief package.

City Business Administrator Anthony Swan reminded attendees that stewardship is key to sustainability. “We spent a lot of time, money, and effort to bring this to the community. Let’s protect it.”

For Mike Griffin, Director of Recreation, the reopening held deep personal meaning. “I grew up riding my bike past this stadium, watching casino leagues play, and even playing ball here as a student,” he said.
“Now I get to oversee this field for the next generation. It’s a full-circle moment.”

Since Mayor Small declared the stadium “open for business,” Griffin said the Recreation Department has been flooded with calls. The first event—a high school baseball game between Atlantic City and Oakcrest—is scheduled for Thursday, May 1st. Adult softball leagues and other recreational programs will follow this summer.

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

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The reopening of Pop Lloyd Stadium restores a beloved landmark, honors the past, and opens new doors for Atlantic City’s future. A field of dreams once again, ready for a new generation to step up to the plate.

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

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