Wade Stadium renovations will go live today, when the historic Duluth ballpark will host a college game after $4.6 million in offseason renovations. (more…)
Tag Archives | wpa
Wade Stadium renovation funding strikes out
A request of state funding for renovations to Wade Stadium, home of the Duluth Huskies (summer collegiate; Northwoods League), was not included in an initial bonding request from Gov. Mark Dayton. Every two years the state of Minnesota passes a bonding bill for projects throughout the state. Local municipalities send requests to the governor’s office, […]
Decision on Civic Stadium: Commerce vs. community
At the end of the day, the fate of Eugene’s Civic Stadium will come down to a simple decision: commerce versus community. There are four bids for the former home to Pacific Coast League and Northwest League ball in the form of Eugene Emeralds franchises. Two, from Fred Meyer ($5 million and the Y ($4.5 […]
Futures of Terre Haute, Cooperstown teams in play
Summer-collegiate news: The Cooperstown Hawkeyes (PGCBL) will suspend operations after failing to draw fans to Doubleday Field, while the future of the Terre Haute Rex (Prospect League) is in play. We know for sure the Hawkeyes won’t be back in 2014, as owner Tom Hickey says he will suspend operations while pursuing a new ballpark […]
Fraser Field upgrade underway
WPA-funded Fraser Field, the historic former home to pro and indy ball in Lynn, Mass., is undergoing a major upgrade this offseason for the North Shore Navigators (summer collegiate; Futures League): installation of new artificial turf on the infield. Presently, huge yellow plows and cranes have been digging up the hallowed infield at Fraser Field. […]
Arizona wins College World Series; Hi Corbett is seen as big factor
The University of Arizona won the College World Series in convincing fashion, and players credit the program’s move to Hi Corbett Field as a contributing factor. This was the first year the Wildcats played at the venerable WPA-era facility, used for spring training and minor-league ball for decades. Indeed, we’ve covered this story many times […]
Municipal Stadium / San Jose Giants
Built as a WPA project in 1942, Municipal Stadium — home of the San Jose Giants (High Class A; California League) — is a beautiful old ballpark in a suburban setting. FAST FACTS Year Opened: 1942Capacity: 4,200 (2,900 in 1942)Dimensions: 341L, 383LC, 391C, 395RC, 340RSurface: Baby Bermuda GrassOwner: City of San JoseWebsite: sjgiants.comOnline Ticket Sales: […]
St. Paul council to vote on state ballpark-funding request
The St. Paul City Council is expected to unanimously approve a request of state funding for a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) ballpark today. The city will put together a funding request for $27 million from a $47.5 million economic-development fund overseen by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This would cover half […]
Duluth: We’ll continue seeking state funds for Wade Stadium renovations
Duluth officials say they’ll continue seeking state funds for a renovation of the WPA-era Wade Stadium, home of the Duluth Huskies (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). Wade Stadium is in need of repairs and upgrades. The Huskies and Duluth officials have put forth a $8.1 million renovation plan, one that keeps the historic nature of the ballpark while upgrading […]
Mustangs: Let’s turn up the volume at Phil Welch Stadium
The challenge for the St. Joseph Mustangs (summer collegiate; MINK League) this summer: continue winning while pumping up the attendance at Phil Welch Stadium. The Mustangs are owned by Rick Muntean, a name that should be familiar to many in minor-league circles: he’s worked in affiliated and indy ball since 1983. He’s now living the […]
Group takes another run at saving Eugene’s Civic Stadium
A group seeking to preserve Civic Stadium, the former home to PCL and NWL baseball in Eugene, Oregon, has a new game plan to save the WPA-era facility. The local school district owns the ballpark and has been seeking a use for it ever since the Eugene Emeralds (short season A; Northwest League) moved to […]
Wildcats settling in at Hi Corbett
No issues in moving from Sancet Stadium to venerable Hi Corbett Field: the Arizona Wildcats are 19-7 so far playing in the classic old ballpark and drawing very good crowds. As you’ll recall, the University of Arizona signed a lease this offseason to move Wildcats games to Hi Corbett Field, which opened in 1927 (with […]
New ballpark on deck in Savannah?
A new ballpark may be in the works in Savannah, where city officials are looking to divert $22 million raised for a downtown arena to a new ballpark for the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League). The preliminary plan calls for money raised via special purpose local option sales tax to be spent […]