With little movement on a new downtown ballpark and Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium in desperate need of repair, Amarillo Sox (independent; American Association) officials are exploring renovation plans — just in case.
Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium — the former Amarillo Dilla Villa and Potter County Stadium — is the second-oldest ballpark in the American Association (Wichita’s Lawrence-Dumont Stadium is older, but it’s been renovated over the years), and arguably the one in the worst shape. So if a new ballpark isn’t on the horizon, owner Scott Berry needs to have a game plan in place to address the many deficiencies in the 1957 facility.
Berry envisions two scenarios. The first: a modest $5 million overhaul that includes lead-paint abatement and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations. The second: an extensive renovation costing between $20 million and $25 million that adds new concessions, new light and seating, as well as expanded clubhouses and a field overhaul.
Of course, it’s early in any talk about renovations. Politics will be at play here: Amarillo would pay for a new downtown ballpark, but Potter County would be backing any renovations. Of course, Potter County officials love the idea of a new downtown ballpark.
RELATED STORIES: RFQ for Amarillo multipurpose venue released; No Gold Sox for you!; Amarillo Gold Sox to return?; New name on tap for Amarillo ballpark; American Association lands Amarillo; ULB loses court bid to halt process; American Association frontrunner to land Amarillo lease; Four bids submitted for Amarillo ballpark lease; Dillas officially evicted; Potter County to seek new tenant for ballpark; ULB misses final Dillas payment; team could be evicted today; ULB bounces second Amarillo check — but no funds wired this time; ULB bounces check for Amarillo rent, but immediately corrects it
—-
Share your news with the baseball community. Send it to us at editors@augustpublications.com.
Subscribers to the weekly Ballpark Digest newsletter see features before they’re posted to the site. You can sign up for a free subscription at the Newsletter Signup Page.
Join Ballpark Digest on Facebook and on Twitter!