The Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) unveiled more details of a new 7,000-capacity ballpark at the Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center development, which will include a park-and-ride ramp.
The new ballpark is set to open in 2014 if it passes further review. There are also financial details to be worked out, as well as a potential naming-rights deal.
The ballpark will seat 6,000 or so fans, with a total capacity of 7,000. Announced today was a deal with Prince William County and the Virginia Department of Transportation for a 1,500-space parking ramp that will be used by commuters during the day and the P-Nats at night. HOV lanes will lead directly out of the new ramp.
The ballpark will be northeast of an existing Wegman’s grocery store at the Stonebridge development.
“Not only will this be one of the nicest stadiums in the country,” says Potomac VP/General Manager Josh Olerud, “this is a community facility that will increase the lifestyle of all residents in Prince William County.”
The stadium will feature a wraparound concourse, LED ribbon boards, picnic areas, club level and party decks.
“From a baseball standpoint, we want a facility, clubhouse, playing surface and workout area that would be equivalent the Major Leagues,” says Olerud. “We want to build a facility that can better the develop the skills and the future players of the Washington Nationals.”
Art Silber, the owner of the Potomac Nationals will fund construction of the new stadium, announcing his intent to invest over $25 million. “We couldn’t be happier about this partnership and that Prince William will continue to be the home for the Potomac Nationals,” said Silber. “This new, state-of-the art stadium on the I-95 corridor will offer our players and fans a great venue for professional baseball.”
The stadium will host more than the 70 Carolina League home games the P-Nats play. Other events planned for the area include concerts, community functions and year-round access to the suite facilities for banquets and wedding.
The announcement culminates more than a decade of work by Nationals owner Silber on a ballpark to replace the very basic Pfitzner Stadium.
RELATED STORIES: P-Nats ballpark plan to be unveiled tomorrow; More delays for new P-Nats ballpark; Surprise, surprise: P-Nats ballpark decision put off again; P-Nats expand ballpark search area; Pfitzner Stadium field to be upgraded; As Harper skips Potomac, Silber works on ballpark solution; P-Nats, Prince William County working on new ballpark plan
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