Upgrades to Bosse Field could begin in the near future, as local officials look to move forward with needed improvements to the home of the Evansville Otters (independent; Frontier League).
A historic ballpark that originally opened in 1915, Bosse Field has been identified as needing repairs in several areas, ranging from its out-of-date electrical system and a leaking roof, to broken seats and a barely functional scoreboard. Steps have been taken in recent years to help facilitate those improvements, including Indiana General Assembly approval of a tax levy to preserve historic buildings in Vanderburgh County that is expected to raise about $300,000 annually.
That progress could continue in the very near future. Bosse Field is owned by the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp (EVSC), and the school board is expected to consider a resolution at an upcoming meeting that would allow the superintendent to negotiate an energy savings contract with Energy Systems Group. While the Otters believe it will be a multiyear process to address needed repairs, there could be some work completed for the 2020 season if this potential contract is finalized soon. More from The Courier & Press:
Energy Systems Group and one other company submitted bids on the energy savings contract, and both toured the ballpark. The school district’s recommendation to the board is to negotiate with ESG.
If a contract is approved fairly soon, Otters owner Bill Bussing said it is possible some renovations could be done for the 2020 baseball season, which starts in May.
“We’ve muddled through despite all of those structural deficiencies very well, thanks largely to the school corporation’s attention,” Bussing said. “But this infusion of capital should allow us to upgrade the facility to a more fan-friendly environment.
“Some (repairs) could be finished by next season. It will be ongoing process over the next 2-3 years, but the hope is to get as much done as we can before the season begins. We don’t want Bosse Field to become a Mesker Amphitheater, which was a jewel of the city before it fell into disrepair.”
Prior to the arrival of the Otters in 1995, Bosse Field had hosted numerous teams, including the Evansville Triplets (Class AAA; American Association) from 1970-1984. It also has the distinction of having been used in the production of the film A League of Their Own.
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