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Ray Winder Field gets temporary reprieve

The bidding process for the Little Rock-owned portion of Ray Winder Field, the former home of the Arkansas Travelers, was so flawed city officials are recommending tossing out the decision to sell the historic ballpark to the University of Arkansas.
The bidding process for the Little Rock-owned portion of Ray Winder Field, the former home of the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League), was so flawed city officials are recommending tossing out the decision to sell the historic ballpark to the University of Arkansas.

There were three bidders for the property: the Little Rock Zoo, the University of Arkansas, and a local youth-baseball organization. The zoo and the school would eventually tear down the ballpark to make room for expansion, while the baseball organization would restore the ballpark, which opened in 1932.

But the zoo and school broke bidding guidelines by publicly stating the amount they planned to bid for the ballpark. Because of this, city officials say the process should begin anew.

Which is good news for ballpark preservationists, because several city officials seemed peeved Little Rock was selling land to outside groups. In fact, the first discussion won’t be to whom Ray Winder Field is sold — it will be whether it should be sold at all. And if it’s not sold, a ballpark-preservation group is in perfect position to swoop in and take control of the facility.