Huntsville, AL officials have not made any final decisions on the ultimate fate of Joe Davis Stadium, the former home of the Huntsville Stars (Class AA; Southern League).
Joe Davis Stadium hosted its last full season of Minor League Baseball in 2014, and has not seen any MiLB action since the Biloxi Shuckers used the ballpark for some home games in 2015 while awaiting the completion of MGM Park (the Stars became the Shuckers after relocating to Biloxi). Though it has been used sporadically for events, Joe Davis Stadium is unlikely to become the home of an MiLB team again, especially now that the Mobile BayBears (Class AA; Southern League) are moving closer to relocating to suburban Madison.
For right now, nothing concrete has been decided about the ballpark’s future. A developer is showing some interest in the facility–though the city has yet to receive a proposal–and it is uncertain whether a conversion to an amphitheater is the best path for the ballpark. More from WAAY 31:
It may not be sitting empty for too much longer. Huntsville’s City Administrator tells WAAY 31 a developer is showing interest in a sports themed concept at Joe Davis. The city appears open to that prospect if the developer submits a proposal. So far though … the city’s waiting.
Also, talk started last year of turning the stadium into an ampitheatre. Something [resident Tara] Barnes thinks would be a welcome attraction to the city.
“I do think something like an ampitheatre would be great because I think we’re lacking something like that here.”
While an ampitheatre sounds like it could be a possibility, the city says right now that might not be the best use for Joe Davis. Meanwhile, the fair is at least putting the parking lot to good use.
Given its uncertain future, we have added Joe Davis Stadium to our Endangered Ballparks list. Joe Davis Stadium first opened for the Stars in 1985.