Chihuahuas ballpark construction schedule may shift to 24 hours
Construction on the new El Paso Chihuahuas (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ballpark could shift to a 24-hour schedule to make the April opening date. It’s always been known that construction of the new downtown ballpark was on a tight schedule. Team and city officials are planning to update residents on the state of ballpark […]
Wilmington Sharks unveil new branding
Under new ownership, the Wilmington Sharks (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) have unveiled a new branding plan for 2014. “Since purchasing the team in December, our organization has been committed to rebranding every aspect of the Wilmington Sharks baseball experience,” said Peter Freund, owner of the Sharks. “The new identity is symbolic of our commitment […]
What went wrong with Ocala’s ballpark plan?
Ocala (Fl.) officials performed a postmortem on its proposal for a new Tampa Yankees (High Class A; Florida State League) ballpark and figured out why it failed: Not every major stakeholder was committed. The Ocala City Council discussed the project at recent strategic planning meetings. The proposal was pretty clear: proceeds from a half-cent sales-tax […]
Astrodome awarded historic designation –but it probably won’t change anything
The Houston Astrodome has been added to the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service, a designation that probably won’t affect its fate. The Register doesn’t carry any specific protections: Harris County can certainly go ahead and tear down the Astrodome if commissioners sees fit. But designation does carry some financial rewards […]
Preserve Civic Stadium, says local school board superintendent
Civic Stadium would be saved — for now — under a recommendation from Eugene School District Superintendent Sheldon Berman to sell the historic ballpark to the city, instead of an entity seeking to tear down the facility. Berman’s logic is simple: the city is offering the most money up front for the 10-acre lot owned […]
Virginia Beach group seeking land, infrastructure for new ballpark
A proposed privately financed Virginia Beach ballpark for an independent Atlantic League team could move closer to reality under a plan to be considered by the city council tomorrow. The plan from Virginia Beach Professional Baseball LLC calls for a $50-million, 5,000-seat ballpark and sports complex ($21 million for the ballpark, $7.7 million for commercial development, […]
Nats, Levy Restaurants extend Nationals Park concessions deal
More of the same at Nationals Park, as the Washington Nationals and Levy Restaurants have extended their concessions contract with a new multiyear deal. Levy has been the exclusive restaurant partner at the ballpark since 2009. “For the last five years, our collaboration with Levy Restaurants has resulted in a diverse selection of fantastic food […]
Freier: I may acquire new team for Columbia
We hinted at this, but now veteran MiLB operator Jason Freier has made it explicit: acquiring another team is very likely if a new Columbia ballpark is built, rather than moving the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) to the city. Besides negotiating for a new Columbia ballpark, Freier has also been talking […]
Personnel moves in Frisco, Lincoln and Wisconsin Rapids
We have personnel news to report from the Frisco RoughRiders (Class AA; Texas League), Lincoln SaltDogs (independent; American Association) and Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). New on the RoughRiders broadcast team this season: Chris Vosters, joining Alex Vispoli, the Voice of the RoughRiders, in delivering the play-by-play of Frisco games throughout the season, […]
Pelicans: We want Wilson — for a single game
Nice promo: the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League) are offering to donate $10,000 to a charity of his choice if Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson plays a single game at TicketReturn.Com Field. Now, as you’ll recall, Wilson played in the Colorado Rockies farm system, making it as high as Low Class A […]
Sun Devils prep for final season at Packard Stadium
With the Arizona State University Sun Devils planning for a move to Phoenix Muni next season, players are prepping for one final bittersweet season at Packard Stadium and Bobby Winkles Field. Sun Devil Baseball has launched the official “Tip Your Cap To Packard” logo to commemorate the 40th and final season at historic Packard Stadium, […]
LeLacheur Park to host America East Baseball Championship
The Lowell Spinners (short season A; NY-Penn League) and the University of Massachusetts-Lowell will host the America East Baseball Championship at LeLacheur Park for the next four years, from 2014-2107. The ballpark first hosted the 2013 championship, which led to Binghamton University capturing the title. “We are thrilled to have received a long-term commitment from […]
Personnel moves in Winston-Salem
Some personnel news to report: The Winston-Salem Dash (High Class A; Carolina League) and their sister company Rhino Sports & Entertainment Services have announced four moves within their front-office teams. Within the club’s sales department, Darren Hill is now the Director of Business Development, and Russell Parmele has become the Director of Group Sales. Corey […]