The city of Mesa has begun renovations to HoHoKam Park and Fitch Park in anticipation of Oakland Athletics spring training in 2015.
This is the last spring training for the A’s at Phoenix Municipal Stadium and Papago Park, as the team agreed to a new HoHoKam Park and Fitch Park lease beginning in 2015. HoHoKam Park and Fitch Park formerly hosted Chicago Cubs spring training before the team moved to Cubs Park this spring.
HoHoKam Park will see a slew of improvements, including refurbished seating, a state-of-the art scoreboard and a remodeled clubhouse. The bleachers along the left-field foul line will be replaced with permanent seats and a kids zone. The bleachers along the right-field foul line will be replaced by a party area that can be divided to accommodate multiple groups. The exterior will be refreshed and entrances will be re-branded with the familiar Oakland A’s green and gold color scheme.
“I believe the changes at Hohokam to become the new spring training home of the A’s will be dramatic and offer a great experience to fans,” Mesa City Manager Chris Brady said. “Likewise, it is amazing to see how the expansion at Fitch Park is already taking place and the amenities being put in for the players.”
The improvements to the Fitch Park training facility include renovating and expanding the size of the building by more than 25,000 square feet for a total of 55,433 square feet. Ball fields, pitching mounds, and batting cages at the site will be renovated to meet the team’s training requirements. Construction will be completed by January.
The City of Mesa and the Oakland A’s reached a 20-year agreement last March for the A’s to return to Mesa beginning in 2015. The team also holds two five-year options that could extend the contract to 30 years. The A’s previously trained in Mesa’s Rendezvous Park (the predecessor to HoHoKam Park( from 1969 to 1978, winning three consecutive World Series from 1972 to 1974.
Replacing the A’s in Phoenix: The Arizona State University Sun Devils.
Photo: HoHoKam Park hosting Cubs spring training.
RELATED STORIES: Oakland, Mesa reach final agreement on HoHoKam Park move; It’s official: Sun Devils to Phoenix Muni in 2015; Prepping for spring training; ASU, Phoenix sit down to discuss Phoenix Muni lease; Arizona State walks away from Cubs, will explore Phoenix Muni lease; ASU-Cubs spat may have unexpected beneficiary: Phoenix Muni
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