PRESS RELEASE – The Wisconsin Woodchucks will announce Phase 2 of their renovation project today with a press conference at 2:00 p.m. at Athletic Park. Pictures will be released at that time. Phase 2 will include a new Full-Service concession stand, a new group outing area and restrooms, and a complete renovation of the bleacher seating along the third base side of Athletic Park.
The project will add another 288 reserved seats with seat backs and cup holders, a larger and modern concession stand, a Group Outing Area that can serve 175 guests and new, larger restrooms.
Elevated Group Outing Area & New Concession Stand with Full Service Kitchen
Mark Macdonald, owner of the Wisconsin Woodchucks, stated that “Phase 2 will be a continuation of the renovation work that was completed on the Grandstand in 2014. The project will retain the historical feel of Athletic Park, but with comfortable seating options, a state of the art concession facility and a Group Outing Area that will be a great option for entertaining clients, employees and friends.”
View of Phase I & Phase II
Macdonald went on to say, “This next renovation will create a cultural asset that will be the pride of the City of Wausau and Central Wisconsin. It will be one of the most interesting and beautiful outdoor event venues in the State of Wisconsin and the Northwoods League.”
New Concourse with Mens & Womens Restrooms
Construction will begin after the conclusion of the 2015 season (approximately August 15th, 2015) and be completed by the start of the 2016 season. The Samuels Group will be the General Contractor on the project and it is expected that most of the supplies and labor will be supplied by companies located in Central Wisconsin. The $3.0 million project will be financed by the Woodchucks.
Aerial View
Mr. Macdonald stressed the importance of using local contractors and suppliers during Phase 2 renovations, saying “Economic models have shown that construction projects can have an approximate two times multiplier; implying that this project will bring an additional $6 million of spending to Central Wisconsin. The people of Central Wisconsin have been great supporters of the Woodchucks and I don’t want to see this money leaving Central Wisconsin.”
Phase 1 construction saw over 50 different local companies supplying labor or materials on the project. Over 50% of the Contractors and Suppliers came from Central Wisconsin with over 90% of them coming from Wisconsin.
Since Macdonald purchased the team in 2012 he has invested over $6.5 million into the facility to ensure the Woodchucks will make Athletic Park their home for 30 more years.
The Wisconsin Woodchucks Home Opener is Friday, May 29th in the newly renovated Athletic Park with Post Game Fireworks presented by Ministry Health Care. Single game ticket will go on sale Friday, April 24 for the 2015 season.
ballparkbiz.wordpress.com 