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Elizabethton Commits $1.5M to Joe O’Brien Field Upgrades

Elizabethton TwinsThe Elizabethton City Council approved $1.5 million in spending on Joe O’Brien Field upgrades, as the city works to retain the Elizabethton Twins (Rookie; Appalachian League).

The upgrades, as proposed by the team and the Appalachian League, would conform Joe O’Brien Field to MiLB facilities standards. The issue: whether the upgrades would be enough to keep the E-Twins in town — though there’s been no overt threat to move or fold the team by the Twins. However, given that Joe O’Brien Field is viewed as a community resource and requiring a little TLC no matter if the E-Twins were a tenant, the council approved the bond measuring back the ballpark spending unanimously.

Joe O’Brien Field would receive upgrades that affect both the fan and player experience. A 5,000 square-foot clubhouse would be constructed to house both the home and visiting teams, along with player facilities such as a training room and weight room. On the fan side, the ballpark would be equipped with about 1,600 to 1,800 new seats. This plan comes with a cost estimate of about $1.5 million, covered by the proceeds of a bond issue.

The E-Twins have a long history at Joe O’Brien Field, having played at the ballpark since they were established in 1974.

RELATED STORIES: Joe O’Brien Field Upgrades ProposedElizabethton Mayor Concerned Over Future of E-TwinsE-Twins to Stay at Joe O’Brien Field for 2017Joe O’Brien Field Upgrades ApprovedTwins, Elizabethton Officials to Discuss Ballpark UpgradesPush Made to Keep Twins in Elizabethton ContinuesJoe O’Brien Field Improvements on HoldElizabethton Budget Excludes Ballpark Upgrades

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