Officials are considering potential improvements to Eastwood Field, the home of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Short Season A; NY-Penn League).
At this point, the ballpark could be in line for an estimated $4 million in improvements. While the exact details of the project have not been finalized, the renovations would potentially be focused on several areas of Eastwood Field, including the clubhouse, lighting, field, and scoreboard.
For now, officials are weighing how to finance the improvements, and are expected to seek $1.8 million in state assistance through the capital improvement budget. The Scrappers confirmed discussions about the upgrades, and have outlined some of the improvements that could take place at Eastwood Field. More from the Tribune Chronicle:
City Auditor Giovanne Merlo said an estimated $4 million in restoration projects are under consideration and officials are seeking $1.8 million in funding through the state capital budget, which was confirmed by Jordan Taylor, Mahoning Valley Scrappers general manager, as well as State Sen. Sean O’Brien, D-Bazetta, although a formal request hasn’t yet been submitted.
Although nothing is set in stone, Taylor said a number of ideas are under consideration, including field, clubhouse, lighting and scoreboard improvements. Major League Baseball sets some guidelines for facilities at the stadium, Taylor said, because the Scrappers are an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The improvements being considered for Eastwood Field are similar to improvements made at Progressive Field in 2017, Taylor said.
“We are basically trying to reimagine the ballpark and see what we can do to enhance it for the next 20 years,” Taylor said.
Joe Bell, Cafaro Co. director of corporate communications, said details of who will cover the cost of renovations haven’t been finalized.
Eastwood Field originally opened for the Scrappers in 1999.