On June 9, officials will celebrate a groundbreaking ceremony for a Madison, AL ballpark that will be built for the relocating Mobile BayBears (Class AA; Southern League).
Madison and BallCorps–the ownership group that purchased the BayBears last year–have been discussing plans for a new ballpark at the Town Madison development. Under the current plans, the 7,000-capacity ballpark will begin hosting Southern League action in 2020 and feature numerous amenities, including including a kids’ zone, indoor and outdoor suite seating, and an open concourse. Madison has set a $46 million budget for the ballpark.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the project has been scheduled for June 9, marking a key point in the ongoing planning process. More from AL.com:
“Minor League Baseball belongs back in north Alabama and we are thrilled to be a part of its return to the region,” BallCorps Managing Partner and CEO Ralph Nelson said in the announcement. “We are excited to reveal more details about the team, its total integration into the community, and to celebrate the start of construction.”
Members of the community are invited to the groundbreaking event at the stadium site off Zierdt Road, according to the announcement.
A “name the team” contest will be announced at the groundbreaking and free food and activities will be available at the event. All those attending will receive a commemorative baseball.
“Breaking ground on this project is momentous, and we appreciate the work that has lead us to this point,” Madison Mayor Paul Finley said in the announcement. “Celebrating with our community while enjoying free ballpark food like hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy is a fantastic way to rally together to start the process.”
The BayBears previously announced that they will spend the 2019 season at their current home in Mobile, Hank Aaron Stadium. Madison is located in the Huntsville Metropolitan Area, which has not had a professional baseball team of its own since the Huntsville Stars (Class AA; Southern League) played their final full season at Joe Davis Stadium in 2014. That franchise is now known as the Biloxi Shuckers.
Rendering courtesy Populous and City of Madison.
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