Renovations plans for Joe Davis Stadium are moving forward, as city officials take steps to potentially repurpose the former Huntsville Stars (Class AA; Southern League) home into a multi-sport venue.
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). It has gone largely unused since and fallen into a state of decline, prompting questions about its future.
Huntsville could address that future with an estimated $8 million plan to renovate the facility to host multiple sports, including football, lacrosse, and soccer. Under a concept that was made public in August, a renovated Joe Davis Stadium would seat about 6,000, with several existing amenities–including the press box, concessions, restrooms, offices, and clubhouses–receiving upgrades.
The process took another step forward this week, when the Huntsville City Council approved a $1 million architectural contract with Chapman Sisson Architects. More from WAFF:
The approved contract authorizes the architectural firm to provide all the necessary civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical engineers for the design and construction administration of the project along with civil design for the surrounding parking lot areas.
Once the city has the design and construction documents in hand, the project can go out for bid.
Construction is anticipated to get under way in 2021.
Joe Davis Stadium hosted its first game in 1985, and was considered out-of-date at the time that the Stars relocated. The Huntsville Metropolitan Area is set to be served by a new MiLB venue next year, when nearby Madison opens the brand-new Toyota Field for the Southern League’s Rocket City Trash Pandas. Joe Davis Stadium is among the facilities listed on our Endangered Ballparks page.
RELATED STORIES: Proposal Would Revive Joe Davis Stadium; The Declining State of Joe Davis Stadium; Joe Davis Stadium Likely to be Demolished; Joe Davis Stadium’s Future Uncertain