Construction on a new ballpark for the Kannapolis Intimidators (Low A; Sally League) reached a milestone Thursday, when officials and construction crews gathered for a topping-out ceremony.
Progress continues to be made on the new ballpark in downtown Kannapolis, which is slated to be completed prior to the 2020 season. Ground was broken on the $52 million project in October, and construction has moved along ever since, as evidenced by Thursday’s topping-out ceremony–an event that is traditionally held when the last steel beam is put into place on a structure.
It was a milestone celebrated by construction crews, as well as city and Initmidators officials. Not only was the topping-out ceremony billed as a sign of progress for the ballpark, but also for the goal of a broader downtown redevelopment initiative that team and city officials are hoping to accomplish. More from the Independent Tribune:
[Kannapolis Mayor Darrell] Hinnant said experts have let city officials know that building a downtown ballpark will attract more spectators than at the current location.
“We are on schedule and we will be ready before the first pitch is thrown out next April,” Hinnant said. “We are going to have the project completed toward the end of the year. We may even have a concert here to kick it off.”
Kannapolis Intimidators owner Andy Sandler said he can’t wait until he brings professional baseball to a revitalized downtown Kannapolis.
“Big things are ahead for Kannapolis,” Kannapolis Intimidators owner Andy Sandler said. “This is going to be a terrific thing for the whole area. This whole downtown area on the other side of the stadium is really going to be terrific.”
Previously unveiled plans for the ballpark call for it to feature many of the amenities found in modern Minor League Baseball facilities. It will offer a seating capacity of 4,930, with 3,218 fixed seats. Other seating options will include luxury suites, a party deck, berm seating, dugout box seats, a picnic terrace, an outfield bar, right field boxes and 6,000 square feet of club/banquet space. A new name is also on tap for the franchise, as the Intimidators announced plans earlier this year to rebrand ahead of the 2020 season.
Image courtesy City of Kannapolis.
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