The New Britain Rock Cats are unveiling two fan-friendly ballpark renovations at New Britain Stadium during Thursday’s season opener.The New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) are unveiling two fan-friendly ballpark renovations at New Britain Stadium during Thursday’s season opener.
The open-air Samuel Adams Rooftop Bar & Grill on the ballpark’s upper level patio along the third-base line has long been a popular gathering place for adult fans who enjoy the feel of a sports bar while attending a Rock Cats game. The ‘Cats are seeking to enhance that experience by adding an 85’ drink rail to the front of the patio (directly overlooking the field) and a 400’ raised deck constructed along the back of the Bar & Grill area. The upper-level area not only delivers exceptional views of the on-field action, but is also a fun place to simultaneously stay abreast of the latest action in places like Boston, Minnesota and New York on big screen TVs. In addition, the new deck will provide a unique space for pre-game hospitality events. The Rock Cats will utilize this renovated area to host a season-long series of Thursday Night Social Hours where, commencing May 14th, fans can enjoy live music and food and drink specials in the Samuel Adams Rooftop Bar & Grill for 90 minutes before every 2009 Thursday night home contest.
Directly in front of the redesigned Bar & Grill in the elevated area above the third-base line, the club has also installed a new, limited-availability seating section offering fans a game experience unlike any other previously available at the Stadium. Dubbed the “The MVP Seats”, 32 premium seats will be available for pre-purchase ($15 each) featuring a unique menu and waiter/waitress service. The Rock Cats are offering five- and ten-game season-ticket packages in these MVP Seats, as well as individual game tickets.
Rock Cats VP and General Manager John Willi has overseen the renovation projects for the team. “Whether it’s for client hospitality or the fan seeking an enhanced outdoor viewing experience, these new areas will offer our patrons something they’ve been asking for," he said. "The new deck and MVP Seats will provide two more unique and affordable opportunities for fans to experience the fun and excitement that is Rock Cats Baseball.”
Plainville-based Kapura General Contractors supervised the project for the Rock Cats. The club also partnered with Harvey Industrial Products and Manchester Awning on the the renovations.