Rickwood Field, the oldest ballpark in America and one of only two original Negro League baseball stadiums still standing, has been closed for emergency repairs. According the Rickwood Facebook page:
“Based on preliminary inspections by the City of Birmingham engineers, structural shoring and repair will be necessary before Rickwood will be ready to host another event. The City has declared the need for repairs and emergency situation and work will begin immediately. The City has budgeted $450,000 in phase 2 bond funds to being the work.”).
As a result, the annual Rickwood Classic scheduled for May 31 has been moved to Regions Field, home of the Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League). Read more here.