Greensboro’s War Memorial Stadium lives — for now
After several attempts to find a new use for War Memorial Stadium, the Greensboro City Council is looking at tearing down most of the historic 1927 structure, preserving only the facade. The Greensboro City Council took on the issue of the old ballpark this week, debating whether to spend $1.4 million on a partial demolition […]
Coca-Cola Field turns 25 this season
It was the ballpark that truly opened the retro era in ballpark, presaging Oriole Park by five years: Coca-Cola Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League), turns 25 this season. Oriole Park will get a lot of press this season, marking its 20th anniversary and rightly being hailed as the first retro […]
Will 51s sale happen this year?
Interesting news out of Sin City: Tony Hsieh and/or the Howard Hughes Corporation are in talks to buy the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). It’s no secret Stevens Baseball has the team on the block: a deal to sell the franchise to Chris Milam died last year after the developer walked away […]
New for 2012: Newcastle Field at Bricktown
We have a new name for the home of the Oklahoma City RedHawks (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League): Newcastle Field at Bricktown, as naming rights were sold to Newcastle Casino, owned by the Chickasaw Nation. Oklahoma City RedHawks President and General Manager Michael Byrnes and Newcastle Casino executives unveiled the new ballpark logo and a […]
Mets retooling: closer fences, more hospitality
The New York Mets have had an absolutely horrendous offseason, focused more on financials than fielders. But everything is new on Opening Day, and the Mets start with a clean slate. With budget issues, lawsuits and clawbacks related to team ownership investments with Bernie Madoff, Mets fans spent more time looking for team news on […]
Reax to new Marlins Ballpark
After a series of high-school, college and pro exhibitions, Marlins Ballpark is set to open tonight as the new home of the Miami Marlins. Here’s a roundup of early reactions to the facility. The first pitch is scheduled for tonight at 7:05 p.m. ET. Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald says the new ballpark represents […]
Is Bakersfield on cusp of new ballpark?
The sale of the Bakersfield Blaze (High Class A; California League) is in final stages of MLB approval — which means speculation about the team’s next phase, a new ballpark, is close to beginning. It’s an open secret in MiLB circles that the sale of the team included plans for a new privately financed ballpark, […]
Storm, tornadoes spare Rangers Ballpark
Tornadoes sweeping though the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex spared Rangers Ballpark, though heavy winds lifted a tarp off the field and forced workers to storm shelters. The storms and 17 tornadoes caused property damage but not much in the way of human injuries. At the ballpark, where the Texas Rangers were scheduled to take on the […]
Pacifics ballpark back in court
A neighborhood group is appealing a court decision allowing the San Rafael Pacifics (independent; North American League) to play in Albert Park, arguing it violates grant-deed restrictions. The Pacifics earlier won a court case allowing Centerfield Partners to sign a one-year deal to play at the city-owned park. A neighborhood group, Albert Park Neighborhood Alliance, […]
Giants to pitch $1.6B development next to AT&T Park
The San Francisco Giants will be unveiling a $1.6-billion development next to AT&T Park, designed to both improve the area and put more money into team coffers. It’s a plan that’s not lacking for vision or grandeur: indeed, it’s one of the biggest building projects in San Francisco history. The team, along with Cordish Companies, […]
City, Cubs finalizing terms of Wrigley Field renovations
In a surprising assertion, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says his city is close to a deal with the Chicago Cubs to help fund renovations to Wrigley Field. Cubs owner Tom Ricketts has repeatedly called for city or state help in renovating the Chicago landmark, which will be 100 years old in 2014. He’s pitched a […]
Zion files suit against Fielders for $500K in back rent, more
The Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) and Zion (Ill.) legal battle stepped up a notch after the city filed a suit seeking back rent and more for the team’s short tenure at Fielders Stadium. It’s the latest salvo in a legal battle that’s already seen the Fielders’ parent company, Grand Slam Sports and […]
Knights: We’ve met big condition for new ballpark
Management of the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) say they’ve scored two significant, long-term sponsorship agreements — agreements that were a condition of their new-ballpark deal with Mecklenburg County. Providing such proof by March 31, 2012 was a condition required to maintain the validity of the Knights’ lease agreement with the county. The Knights […]