It will take $20 million — not the $8-$12 million initially predicted — to renovate Blair Field, the home of the Long Beach State Dirtbags, if the current remodeling plan is implemented.
The new numbers come from Long Beach State officials and HKS, architect on the project. Officials say they won’t hit up students for the funding; instead, alumni and other donor groups will be tapped.
The work is slated for several stages. The first stage scraps a party area down the left-field line and replaces it with a practice diamond. A new batting tunnel and bullpens will be installed down the left-field line. New lighting is on the docket at well.
The second stage includes a two-story clubhouse and concession space, as well as a party deck on the building’s second story, more bathrooms and expanded dugouts.
The final phase is where the fan amenities and higher costs come in. First, a new structure basically will be installed behind the current grandstand. The structure will allow for a second-level concourse and a large club area, along with six suites, more concessions and new ticket offices.
Blair Field has an interesting history. Besides serving as the home of the Dirtbags, the ballpark has housed major-league exhibitions and was once a practice field for the Los Angeles Rams. It opened in 1958.
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