The historic ballpark, once home to Pacific Coast League and Northwest League action, could be torn down, as its owner seeks proposals for the property. It looks like the last pro baseball game has been played there, though.
Eugene’s Civic Stadium, once home to Pacific Coast League and Northwest League action, could be torn down, as its owner, the local school board, seeks proposals for the property.
The ballpark was home to the Eugene Emeralds (short season; Northwest League) as recently as last season. The local school board is looking to cash in on the ownership of the old ballpark. While there are some limits as to what can be done at the site — the bequest of land to the city carries some conditions, apparently, but there’s no historic designation powerful enough to prevent the 72-year-old ballpark from being demolished.
Two groups have already expressed an interest in the ballpark: the local YMCA wants to use the land for a mutipurpose sports facility, with or without the ballpark still standing. A local group, Save Civic Stadium, wants to use the ballpark for professional soccer and other community events. Their angle: the ballpark would be renovated. The school board is also opening things up to other proposals.
No matter which proposal is selected, it looks like it will be the end for Civic Stadium as a ballpark. While the Emeralds signed only a two-year lease for PK Park — seemingly keeping the door open for a return back to a renovated Civic Stadium — neither proposal calls for the return of baseball to the facility. Both will require some substantial private fundraising (upwards of $17 million), and both may require the city to float bond to help pay for the project.
Civic Stadium is on our list of Endangered Ballparks.
RELATED STORIES: Glickman to assist in Civic Stadium preservation effort ; Eugene debates future of historic Civic Stadium; Group proposing renovation of Civic Stadium; Ems poised for PK Park move — but it may not be permanent
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