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Louisville Slugger Field Upgrades in the Works

Louisville Slugger Field renovation plan

Plans have been filed for potential Louisville Slugger Field renovations, as the Louisville Bats (Class AAA; International League) are looking to make several major upgrades to the facility.

The Bats are seeking to move forward with a few notable improvements to their ballpark, as was revealed in plans filed last week by Louisville-based architecture firm Carman with Metro Planning and Design Services. Under the scope detailed in the documents, several renovations would take place to Louisville Slugger Field, with many directly addressing fan amenities. Four sections of fixed seating down the right-field line would be removed in favor of a berm area, while right-field bleachers would be demolished to make way for a new pavilion. Additionally, the proposal calls for both home and visitors bullpens to move beyond the outfield wall, a small expansion into the parking lot to accommodate a new kids area, the installation of new concession and bar areas, new shade structures, and various lobby and suite improvements.

The renovations would take place over a two years. In the application, it was emphasized that Louisville Slugger Field–home to the Bats since its 2000 opening–is in need of updated fan amenities. More from Louisville Business First:

In a letter to Metro Planning and Design Services dated Dec. 23, Carman principal John Carman said the design is a reflection of how modern fans use Minor League Baseball facilities.

“The Louisville Slugger Field facility was completed in 2000 and has had minor renovations over the years but as the dynamics of how patrons utilize a baseball facility have changed over the decades, this will be the first major series of renovations to update the amenities provided to patrons,” he said.

It has been anticipated that the Bats could pursue renovations to Louisville Slugger Field in the near future, as the team has extended its lease to the ballpark through the 2038 season. Under the terms of the new deal, the Bats will pay a little over $14 million over 20 years to use the facility, while Louisville will provide $8 million in capital budget funds toward future ballpark improvements. The agreement includes an option to extend the lease through 2043.

Image courtesy Carman.

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