New renderings of a proposed new Beloit Snappers (Low A; Midwest League) ballpark have been released by Hendricks Commercial Properties and potential team owner Quint Studer, as the city predicts a groundbreaking this spring.
The renderings, prepared by Jones Petrie Rafinski, show a 3,500-capacity venue located on seven total acres between the Rock River and Beloit Transfer Facility near the Beloit City Hall building, and just north of Shirland Avenue. The proposed ballpark will feature a grandstand with administrative offices and player facilities, concessions and restrooms, 360-degree concourse, a center-field outdoor group areas, a kids’ play area and a 300+ capacity stadium club that can be used year-round. The main concourse will wrap 360 degrees around the field and features a main entry gate at center field. Outdoor group areas will be located in left field and right field with a kid’s playground and inflatable area planned for the outfield concourse. An artificial-turf field would allow for uses other than professional baseball.
“These renderings further bring to life an exciting future for community members in the Beloit region,” said local businesswoman Diane Hendricks. “This shared community space will create a strong connection to downtown Beloit and provide a beautiful, family-friendly amenity.”
“With the leadership of Diane Hendricks and others who are stepping up to build a fabulous stadium in Beloit, this revitalization project brings the city one step closer to becoming America’s renaissance city,” said Quint Studer, who plans to acquire the Beloit Snappers. “We are so grateful to bring our experience and investment to such a noble project.” A Janesville native, Studer is owner of Pensacola, Florida-based Studer Entertainment & Retail and co-owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Class AA; Southern League).
“The stadium’s prime location in downtown Beloit along with its ability to function as a catalyst for a number of family-friendly community events make it a great win for the community,” added Lori Luther, Beloit City Manager. “The City of Beloit continues to look forward to the economic, cultural and recreational opportunities that the community stadium will bring to our downtown district.”
The release of the renderings come at a time when MLB has identified the Snappers as a candidate for contraction after the 2020 season. The team sale to Studer still has not been finalized, and the press release from Hendricks Commercial Properties did not address the many issues associated with contraction and the future of the team, let alone zoning issues and an environmental impact study on the site, which has a history of industrial uses that include a manufacturing gas plant and a sewer treatment facility. Notably, the press release did not include any quotes from Minor League Baseball, the existing Snappers management or Midwest League officials.
RELATED STORIES: Push Continues on Snappers Ballpark Plan; Details Emerge on Proposed Snappers Ballpark; Beloit Snappers Sold; New Downtown Ballpark in the Works; Snappers: Downtown Ballpark Can Be Economic Stimulus; Snappers: We’re Working on New Downtown Beloit Ballpark Plan; O’Conner: Momentum Behind New Beloit Ballpark; After Two Months, Mascharka Steps Down as Snappers President; Board to discuss Beloit Snappers future; Christianson: Time for Snappers sale; O’Conner: Beloit will need to address ballpark issue