In advance of their inaugural season, the Port Angeles Lefties (summer collegiate; West Coast League) are offering details on some ballpark upgrades.
With Matt Acker serving as the co-owner, the Lefties will begin play next season as the replacement for the Kitsap BlueJackets. Part of the reasoning behind setting up shop in Port Angeles was the proposal offered by the Washington city. Civic Field will be receiving several upgrades in advance of next year, and while some are focused on player amenities, some of the changes could make the ballpark more suitable for non-baseball events.
Acker previewed some of the renovations, including the addition of group and premium areas, during a recent event. More from the Peninsula Daily News:
Acker said that when he was looking into bringing a new team into the league, he went looking for a community that fit a number of criteria.
“I wanted to find a great market and this town popped out at me,” he said, calling Port Angeles the town he was looking for. That criteria included a good stadium, tourism, history, a blue-collar fan base and relative isolation from bigger cities and events. Also benefiting Port Angeles was its pleasant summer weather.
For Lefties baseball, Civic Field will include 102 cushioned seats, corporate boxes with couches and a party deck with beer and wine available. Most of all, the games will be community events that go beyond baseball. Acker expects people to come out for the games “because it’s an event, not just because they love baseball.”
The Lefties are arriving in Port Angeles as part of a move that will affect multiple circuits. Kitsap, which Acker also controls, is expected to continue play next season in the Pacific International League.
RELATED STORIES: New for 2017: Port Angeles Lefties; Kitsap BlueJackets Departing WCL; Port Angeles Eyeing WCL Team