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Bakersfield Blaze unveil plans for new ballpark

Bakersfield BlazeThe new owners of the Bakersfield Blaze (High Class A; California League) announced plans for a new ballpark to replace Sam Lynn Ballpark as part of a larger development, Bakersfield Commons.

The 3,500-seat ballpark would anchor the northern part of the development on a 15-acre site, which was announced two years ago but put on hold for economic reasons. With the announcement of a ballpark plan, the development is alive once again.

Gene Voiland and Chad Hathaway bought the Blaze this year and announced their intention to get a new ballpark built in coming years. The new ballpark, which could open in 2014, will include modern amenities such as luxury suites and special event space for groups and families, picnic areas and a children’s playground.

“Bakersfield Commons is a spectacular location for the new ballpark, which we intend to be the finest Class-A ballpark in the country,” Voiland said. “By connecting a new state-of-the-art stadium to a unique retail district, we are creating a family destination that will be extremely attractive for everyone in Bakersfield.”

“Bakersfield Commons has the potential to be a transformative project for Bakersfield,” developer Robert Roth said via news release. “The Blaze stadium is the perfect catalyst to get this started. I can’t wait to be there for the first pitch and for the opening of this welcoming retail district.”

“This is a strategic location, especially when considering the new Westside Parkway, and provides tremendous access for residents from throughout the area,” said Cindy Pollard, executive director of the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. “This is not just a home run for our community. It’s a grand slam.”

RELATED STORIES: Is Bakersfield on cusp of new ballpark?

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