Construction on the upgrades to Herr-Baker Field is moving at a solid pace, putting the ballpark on track to be ready for the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders (summer collegiate; Northwoods League).
One of the latest clubs to join the Northwoods League, the Dock Spiders will play at Herr-Baker Field, the home facility of Marian University’s baseball program. In anticipation of the Dock Spiders’ arrival, the ballpark is receiving $1.5 million in upgrades, which will lead to an expanded capacity, team store, group seating space, and other amenities.
Construction on the project began in November. It has since made steady progress, and more features on track are scheduled to be added over the coming weeks, according to Dock Spiders general manager Ryan Moede. More from the Fond du Lac Reporter:
In April, the team will install bleachers behind the ball diamond’s dugouts, with a Dock Spiders locker room under seating on the third base side. In all, the new facility will hold about 2,000 people, with seats for about 1,200. Groups of 20 or more can rent out a second story patio, or “dockyard,” complete with picnic tables.
There’s some free-range space planned at the new stadium, too. A yard, dubbed the “boat launch,” near the Dock Spiders dugout fits about 200, and will feature outdoor ping pong, bean bag toss — even a giant game of Connect Four.
“Millennials want a more interactive experience than just sitting and watching the game,” Moede said.
The Dock Spiders are one of two expansion franchises joining the Northwoods League for 2017, as the circuit is also set to add the Bismarck Larks. The Dock Spiders’ home opener is scheduled for June 1.
RELATED STORIES: New for 2017: Fond du Lac Dock Spiders; Fond du Lac to Begin Ballpark Construction