It seems appropriate this Opening Day to announce a big change in the future of Ballpark Digest: twenty-some years after launching this site and August Publications, I’m retiring early and focusing instead on family. (more…)
Archive | Major-League Baseball
Prepping for 2024: American League East ballparks
As we approach the 2024 MLB season, we’re taking a different approach to our ballpark coverage. We begin with American League East ballparks, as Natty Boh returns to Oriole Park, Fenway Park adds Irish nachos, the Yankees add a slew of offerings from celebrity chefs, and Tropicana Field sees a revamped turf field. (more…)
Community benefits agreements and the new ballpark math
While the concept isn’t new, we’re seeing community benefits agreements pop up in discussions of new and existing MLB ballpark funding discussions. Here’s a look at what’s involved. (more…)
Tempe Diablo Stadium renovations back on track
The on-again, off-again Tempe Diablo Stadium renovations for Los Angeles Angels spring training are back on, as the city of Tempe is angling to have a new clubhouse and player-development space completed in time for 2025. (more…)
Phillies now part of South Philadelphia Sports Complex development
The Philadelphia Phillies are now part of Comcast Spectacor’s plan to convert portions of the sea of parking at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex into a live-work-play sports and entertainment district, potentially transforming the Citizens Bank Park experience in the future. (more…)
Long-awaited A’s Vegas ballpark renderings revealed
After several delays, the long-awaited Oakland A’s Vegas ballpark renderings were revealed by the team, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and HNTB. (more…)
Rays make triumphant return to Port Charlotte
The baseball gods were smiling on the patient Port Charlotte spring-training fans Saturday, as the Tampa Bay Rays launched their 2024 season at Charlotte Sports Park after spending last spring at Disney and the Trop. (more…)
Oakland or Sacramento? Rumors fly on temporary A’s home
As team reps and local civic officials discuss the use of the Coliseum as a temporary A’s home until a new Las Vegas ballpark opens, we’re seeing conflicting reports–while hearing directly from other insiders–about where the team ends up. Relax. (more…)
Report: Reinsdorf to seek $1B in state money for new Chicago White Sox ballpark
We have the opening bid for public funding of a new Chicago White Sox ballpark, as team owner Jerry Reinsdorf will reportedly ask the state of Illinois for $1 billion in hotel taxes and TIF proceeds to build the new facility. (more…)
New for 2024: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches
As spring training launches, we have some ballpark news from the Grapefruit League: the spring home of the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals is now CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, as naming rights for the West Palm Beach training camp have been purchased by Travis Scott’s hard-seltzer firm. (more…)
Oakland Coliseum lease talks reportedly go well: A’s, government officials
A meeting between Oakland, Alameda County and Oakland A’s officials today reportedly went well, enhancing the chances the team will be able to reach a deal to continue play at the Oakland Coliseum until a new Las Vegas ballpark opens in 2028 or 2029. (more…)
Plans for new Chicago White Sox ballpark unveiled
A new Chicago White Sox ballpark could be part of a dramatic realignment of sporting facilities in the Windy City, as the team mulls a move to The 78 South Loop development near Clark Street and Roosevelt Road. (more…)
Inevitable: A’s, Oakland officials to discuss Coliseum lease extension
This was the inevitable outcome after visits to minor-league ballparks and the very real possibility of a 2029 opening: Oakland/Alameda officials and A’s management will meet on Thursday to discuss a Coliseum lease extension, per a published report. (more…)