Defenders outline Holman Stadium renovation plans
The American Defenders of New Hampshire unveiled their plans for changes to Historic Holman Stadium.The American Defenders of New Hampshire (independent; Can-Am Association) want to make several changes to the WPA-era Holman Stadium. And while none of the changes are major, they may need to be approved by Nashua because of the historic nature of […]
Is Houston angling to close Astrodome?
Events scheduled for the Astrodome this year have been scrapped after city officials found "code violations" that will cost millions to remedy — and some see the closure as a first step toward closing the beloved venue.Events scheduled for the Astrodome this year have been scrapped after city officials found "code violations" that will cost […]
Tucson makes another run at spring training — but will MLB bite?
A Tucson lawmaker is asking the Arizona Legislature to approve sales-tax hikes for new spring-training facilities. But if voters approve, will any MLB team be interested?You’ve got to give Rep. Vic Williams, a Republican from Tucson, points for persistance in the face of overwhelming odds. Williams is the legislator working to keep spring training in […]
U of Vermont drops baseball as varsity sport; will Lake Monsters be affected?
The University of Vermont is dropping men’s baseball as a varsity sport, but school officials say Centennial Field will remain open — for now.The University of Vermont is dropping men’s baseball as a varsity sport, but school officials say Centennial Field will remain open — for now. Centennial Field is also home to the Vermont […]
A’s officially drop Fremont ballpark plans; Wolff says there’s no backup plan
The Oakland A’s officially announced plans for a new ballpark in Fremont are dead, and co-owner Lew Wolff says the team has no back-up plans.The Oakland A’s officially announced plans for a new ballpark in Fremont are dead, and co-owner Lew Wolff says the team has no back-up plans. "At this time we have decided […]
Shaw Park / Winnipeg Goldeyes
There’s a certain type of ballpark currently in vogue in the minor leagues: a raised mezzanine packed with concession stands, with a grandstand sloping down to the playing field. There are many advantages to this layout: the mezzanine area can accommodate socializing and fans can hit the concession stands without missing any of the action. […]
AutoZone Park / Memphis Redbirds
If anyone needs a model for a successful urban minor-league stadium, they need look no farther than AutoZone Park, home of the Memphis Redbirds. AutoZone is renowned in minor-league baseball circles as being one of the best ballparks in use, and nothing during a recent visit dissuades us of that notion. FAST FACTS Year Built: […]
Banner Island Ballpark / Stockton Ports
Banner Island Ballpark is the centerpiece of Stockton’s urban revitalization, a lovely waterfront ballpark that serves well as home to Single-A baseball. The ballpark design is basic: a single level of seating with a concourse wrapping the entire ballpark. Though the effect comes off a little sparse — the 4,200 fixed seats are between the […]
Im memoriam: Larry Miller
The owner of the Salt Lake Bees passed away yesterday due to complications from diabetes.Larry Miller, the owner of the Salt Lake Bees (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the NBA’s Utah Jazz, passed away yesterday due to complications from Type 2 diabetes. He was 64. Miller bought the Salt Lake Stingers in February 2005 […]
NBT Bank Stadium / Syracuse Chiefs
While it lacks some of the frills found at other International League parks, NBT Bank Stadium does the basics pretty well. The entire park has comfortable chair-style seating with ample leg room. No bleachers anywhere. The concourse divides the lower 100 and 200 levels from the suites and general-admission upper level. The concourse also features […]
Alexian Field / Schaumburg Boomers
(Editor’s note: this was written when the Northern League’s Schaumburg Flyers occupied Alexian Field. In 2012 the Frontier League’s Schaumburg Boomers will begin play there. We’ll update this piece once the season begins.) FAST FACTS Capacity: 7,048 Year Opened: 1999 Cost: $19 million Owners: Village of Schaumburg and the Schaumburg Park District Dimensions: 355L, 400C, […]
The week that was: Feb. 21
Stories about a groundbreaking promotion in Trenton and Lakewood, the opening of the new Camelback Ranch spring-training complex, and the new Minnesota Twins ballpark leads the list of the most popular articles on Ballpark Digest this week.Here are the biggest stories of the week on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views: Thunder, BlueClaws break […]
Ballpark Notes for Feb. 20, 2009
In today’s ballpark news, Steve Degler moves to the TV booth for Lehigh Valley and Reading games; the Defenders announce all opening-night ticket revenues will go to a local Extreme Makeover family; the Miners schedule an exhibition at Cape Girardeau; and Andrew Aguilar is the new GM of the next iteration of the Alexandria Aces.In […]