Major League Baseball has given the Fresno Grizzlies (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) more time to work out the fate of the franchise. MLB said in a letter last week the team must accept a demotion from Triple-A to Single-A baseball by Nov. 30 or prepare to go without affiliation to a team in the majors. Read more here.
Tag Archives: Pacific Coast League
Fresno Grizzlies Given More Time to Work Out Deal
Filed under League & Franchise, Lease & Contracts, Legal, Market & Location
Wind Surge Ballpark Named ‘Riverfront Stadium’
Wichita’s new minor league baseball stadium has a name. In just over a month, the Wichita Wind Surge (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) will take the field at the ballpark now known as Riverfront Stadium. Read more here.
A Tour of New Wichita Wind Surge Ballpark
The Wichita Wind Surge (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) on Thursday gave fans a live, 30-minute video tour on Facebook of their new ballpark currently under construction. Watch video tour here.
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Missions Exploring Sites for Potential New Ballpark
It’s been nearly four years since Dave Elmore, founder of the Elmore Sports Group, which owns the San Antonio Missions (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League), committed to moving the team from the Double-A Texas League to the higher-level PCL. That commitment came with a hitch: San Antonio (TX) needed to deliver a new ballpark. Read more here.
San Antonio Missions to Transform Into Puffy Tacos for Three Games in May
The San Antonio Missions announced today the ball club will pay homage to a staple of the Alamo City’s cuisine and morph into the San Antonio Puffy Tacos for three games from May 22-24 against the Iowa Cubs. In addition, the Missions have decreed May 22 as National Puffy Taco Day.
Filed under Branding & Marketing, Fun & Atmosphere, Merchandising
Council Approves Sales Tax to Spur Development Around New Wichita Ballpark
The Wichita City Council on Tuesday approved a 2 percent sales tax within a newly established Community Improvement District, or CID, encompassing the area around the new baseball stadium and parts of the east bank of the Arkansas River. Read more here.
Sales Tax Increase Proposed to Help Develop Area Around New Wichita Ballpark
An item on the Wichita (KS) City Council agenda is a proposal to establish a Community Improvement District, or CID, for an area around the new baseball stadium which would raise sales tax by 2%. If approved, the funds from the CID will go to the ballpark’s developers for a period of up to 22 years. The City Council will discuss the idea during the meeting on January 7th. Read more here.
Home of Storm Chasers Getting Upgrades to Make Room for Pro Soccer
Werner Park, home of the Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) is undergoing a $2.4 million renovation to make room for Nebraska’s first professional soccer team — the Union Omaha (United Soccer League). Read more here.
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
It’s the ‘Wichita Wind Surge’
After months of teasing and municipal anticipation, Wichita’s new baseball team has its name, the Wichita Wind Surge. The new team logo consists of a Pegasus leaping out of the letter W. It was designed by Todd Radom, also the creator of the current logos of the Major League Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals. Read more and and watch unveiling here. Read more from Chris Creamer here and Benjamin Hill here.
Filed under Branding & Marketing
More Ballpark Chatter in San Antonio
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, who is the namesake of the San Antonio Missions’ (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) current stadium, told a local news station that San Antonio (TX) will need a new stadium if it wants to keep Triple-A baseball in town. Read more here.
Latest Footage of Wichita Ballpark
There is great new video footage out there showing the construction of the new baseball stadium in Wichita (KS), the future home of the relocating and yet-to-be-renamed New Orleans Baby Cakes (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League). Watch video here.
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Latest Construction Photos of Wichita Ballpark
Work on the new stadium in Wichita (KS) progresses, as construction crews are now under six months from the home opener for the Wichita Triple-A baseball team that will play in the Pacific Coast League. Opening Day is April 14. View 32 photos here.
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Announcing the Golden Bobblehead Winners
Last Thursday evening at the El Paso Chihuahuas’ (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) home of Southwest University Park, the Minor League Baseball Innovators Summit concluded with the Golden Bobblehead Awards. Read more here. Beyond the Golden Bobbleheads, view Benjamin Hill’s best promos here.
Filed under Awards & Recognition, Conference & Events
Wichita Ballpark Update
Every day gets Wichita (KS) a step closer to professional baseball returning to the city. With the home schedule released last week, the new stadium continues to make progress towards completion. Read more and watch news report here. View stadium photo here.
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Speculating About MLB in Vegas
It was reported earlier this summer that officials in Henderson (NV) were quietly trying to lure the Arizona Diamondbacks from Phoenix (AZ), where efforts to build a new major league ballpark have stalled. And that was before Las Vegas Ballpark was christened and the Las Vegas Aviators (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) began obliterating attendance records. Read more here.
Filed under League & Franchise, Market & Location
The Future of Baseball in New Orleans
Fans and those with an interest in New Orleans Baby Cakes (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) are saddened by the realization that the team is leaving the city for greener pastures in Wichita (KS). And, there’s even more concern about what it means for the future of professional baseball in the metropolitan area. Read more here.
Filed under League & Franchise, Market & Location
Sounds Ballpark Gets New Name
The ballpark where the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) play will be renamed First Horizon Park, the name of the parent company of First Tennessee Bank. Read more here.
River Cats Ballpark Gets New Name
After two decades as Raley Field, the home of the Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League), will have a new name. Starting next season, the ballpark will be known as Sutter Health Park. Read more and watch news report here.
Ballpark Pool a Big Hit in Vegas
It could be a scene at any number of pool parties across Southern Nevada, but this one has a key difference: It’s taking place amid a minor league baseball game at the new Las Vegas Ballpark. Read more and view photos here.
Filed under Amenities & Features, Fun & Atmosphere, Stadium Issues
Wichita City Council Adds Ballpark Village to Master Plan
A plan for the future of Wichita’s Delano neighborhood now includes a master plan for a Ballpark Village that will surround the city’s new baseball stadium for the relocating New Orleans Baby Cakes (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League). Read more here. View 8/13 final agenda packet here (scroll to page 46).
Man Dies While Competing in Taco-Eating Contest
A man participating in a taco-eating contest at a Fresno Grizzlies (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) game died Tuesday night after officials say he began choking. There is no official cause of death pending an investigation, but emergency staff at the hospital reportedly did clear food from the man’s throat, and preliminary indications are that he died of choking. Read more here. View statement from the Grizzlies here.
Filed under Uncategorized
Ballpark Topping-Off Ceremony in Wichita
A topping off ceremony was held Wednesday morning at the site of the new baseball stadium under construction in Wichita (KS) for the relocating New Orleans Baby Cakes (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League). A steel beam signed by those who are working to build the new ballpark was hoisted to the top of the park. It is the last beam of the structure to be placed. Read more and view photos here. Watch news report here.
Today we celebrate the structure of the new stadium and event center taking shape with a topping off ceremony for the hard working trades people. @WichitaBaseball pic.twitter.com/e7csgtNGNv
— Mayor Jeff Longwell (@jefflongwellict) August 7, 2019
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Las Vegas Ballpark Named 2019 ‘Ballpark of the Year’
Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin (NV), the new home of the Las Vegas Aviators (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League), is the winner of BaseballParks.com’s award for the 2019 Ballpark of the Year. Read story here. Read full ballpark review here. It’s hard to believe, but this is actually the 20th anniversary of this prestigious honor, which site-founder Joe Mock will bestow in person on Saturday prior to the Aviators’ game.
Filed under Awards & Recognition, Ballpark Visits
Construction of New Wichita Ballpark Well Underway
If you drive by the the old Lawrence Dumont Stadium, you’ll see the beginnings of the new one under construction for the relocating New Orleans Baby Cakes (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League). Read more and watch news report here.
A preview of an area that will have some great shade when you come to a day game! #RepYour2020 pic.twitter.com/pFptItzkJV
— Wichita Baseball 2020 (@WichitaBaseball) July 1, 2019
Filed under Uncategorized
Vibes Inaugural Opening Weekend Begins Friday
The inaugural opening weekend for the Rocky Mountain Vibes (Rookie, Pioneer League) at UCHealth Park begins Friday, June 21st. It will be very interesting to see if this Rookie-level team can sufficiently fill an 8,500-seat venue after Colorado Springs (CO) lost its Triple-A club to San Antonio (TX) in the off season. The branding for the club is cool and unique, and hopefully the front office has the fun-guns loaded and ready, but will it be enough to avoid the cavernous feel and lack of intimacy of a potentially less-than-half-empty ballpark? The Sky Sox averaged a little over 4,000 fans per game the past three seasons. Good luck, Vibes! Watch news report: Vibes don uniforms for first time.
Filed under Uncategorized
Parking for New Wichita Stadium
Plans for the area around Wichita’s (KS) new baseball stadium for the relocating New Orleans Baby Cakes (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) call for a large parking garage and additional surface parking. The parking garage would also double as a transit center. Read more here
Advisory Board to Help Establish Entertainment District Around New Wichita Ballpark
A development group involved in the project for a new baseball stadium in Wichita (KS) has created an advisory board that will help in the establishment of an entertainment district around the stadium. Read more here.
Could Chick-fil-A Controversy Lead to Jumpstart in San Antonio Ballpark Talks?
On May 4, San Antonio voters will elect a new mayor, and the election has become a proxy contest for a Chick-fil-A controversy. Incumbent Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who supports barring the company at the San Antonio airport, faces City Councilman Greg Brockhouse, who wants to reverse the City Council decision to do so. Read about the controversy here. Read more here. How does this relate to a potential new ballpark for the San Antonio Missions (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League)? Nirenberg has been less enthusiastic about city involvement in a new ballpark than Brockhouse. Read more here. If the Chick-fil-Aers come out to vote, it could turn the ballpark tide for the Missions.
Filed under Lease & Contracts, Legal, Stadium Issues
Mock Tours, Reviews New Vegas Ballpark
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com was in Summerlin (NV) recently to tour the new $100-million ballpark that opened last week for the Las Vegas Aviators (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League). Mock’s in-depth review checks in at 5,800 words and three-dozen photographs covering everything from the ballpark design to fan amenities and concessions. Read review and view photos here.
Don't miss our brand-new review of Las Vegas Ballpark! Loads of info and lots of photos you won't see anywhere else. https://t.co/Qzni5Oqcyv @AviatorsLV @thelvballpark @HOKSportsRecEnt pic.twitter.com/mpQgFuoUnv
— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) April 15, 2019
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Wichita Lays Down Ceremonial Home Plate, Construction Update Provided
Wichita (KS) city officials, the owner of the Miami Marlins and Wichita baseball fans gathered Thursday morning for the ceremonial placement of home plate at the new minor league baseball stadium. Read more and watch news report here. Meanwhile, Scott Sherry of JE Dunn Construction gave an update on the progress of the new ballpark, which is expected to be completed in March of 2020. Read more and watch video here.
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Aviators Open New Ballpark in Front of 11,036, Introduce Mascots
The Las Vegas Aviators (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) opened their new ballpark in Summerlin (NV) Tuesday night in front of a crowd of 11,036. They also introduced two new mascots — Spruce the Goose and Mr. Aviator. Read more and watch news report here. Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com is in Vegas to experience the stadium, so we expect some great professional coverage from his visit. Stay tuned!
We’re the two best friends that anyone could have! 😉⚾️✈️ pic.twitter.com/ufpJ8D0IA2
— Spruce the Goose (@SpruceLV) April 10, 2019
I'll have a lot more to say about the color scheme here at @theLVballpark, but for now, the orange on the underside of the roof is brilliant. @AviatorsLV pic.twitter.com/dFmW6Jr7Cg
— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) April 10, 2019
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Aviators Host Media Day, Food and Beverage a Cut Above the Rest
The Las Vegas Aviators (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) held media day at the new Las Vegas Ballpark on Tuesday. Read more and watch news report here. Meanwhile, Celebrity chef Giada de Laurentiis is playing a starring role in a food and beverage lineup worthy of the majors. Read more here.
The pool located behind the @thelvballpark outfield is now filled with water and ready to go for Opening Day next week. #vegas #aviators #milb pic.twitter.com/BeYhOpmU9A
— Mick Akers (@mickakers) April 2, 2019
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Fresno Grizzlies’ $3.4 Million in Capital Improvements Lead to Opening Day
PRESS RELEASE – The $3.4 million dollars in capital improvements pledged to Chukchansi Park by the Fresno Sports & Events LLC ownership group, now in their second season operating the Fresno Grizzlies, are taking shape in advance of Opening Day 2019 (Thursday, April 4, 7:05 p.m. first pitch).
AutoZone Park Set for 2019 Home Opener with $2 Million in Improvements
PRESS RELEASE – AutoZone Park’s 20th season is underway after nearly $2 million in stadium upgrades, improvements, and renovations ahead of 89 scheduled Memphis Redbirds and Memphis 901 FC games.
Wichita Approves Ballpark Development Agreement
The Wichita (KS) City Council voted 7-0 Tuesday night to move forward with a development agreement on the new baseball stadium and some of the land around it. Read more and watch news report here.
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Owner Selling Ballpark Magic in Wichita
With a New England accent and penchant for colorful detail delivered without taking a breath — at least when he’s in sales-pitch mode — New Orleans Baby Cakes (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) owner Lou Schwechheimer is in Wichita (KS) to sell a dream. Read more here.
Filed under Uncategorized
Wichita Ballpark Development Vote Tuesday
More than three years of negotiations — punctuated by weeks of public outcry over transparency — come down to a Tuesday City Council vote on a development agreement for Wichita’s (KS) new ballpark. Read more here.
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
New Las Vegas Ballpark Now Has Grass
Grass was laid down at the Las Vegas Ballpark Thursday, just weeks before the Las Vegas Aviators (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) are scheduled to start playing there. Opening day is April 9 when the Aviators will play Sacramento at 7:05 p.m. Read more here.
Filed under Design & Construction, Field & Turf, Stadium Issues
Drone Footage of Las Vegas Ballpark Construction
Drone footage captured the latest updates of the Las Vegas Ballpark in Downtown Summerlin. The big update, as of March 7, includes large signage above where the biggest video scoreboard in minor league baseball will reside. Read more and watch video here. The biggest news though, might be $2 beer nights at the new stadium:
The days of enjoying $1 beer nights at 51s (now @AviatorsLV) games are a thing of the past 🍺https://t.co/iiJHYOCRHe
— Las Vegas RJ (@reviewjournal) March 8, 2019
El Paso to End Ballpark Subsidy Early
New figures show the debt incurred for building Southwest University Park, home of the El Paso Chihuahuas (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League), will be covered by revenue generated by the stadium and hotel occupancy tax revenue alone after 2021, two years ahead of schedule. Read more here.
Filed under Design & Construction, Money & Financials, Stadium Issues
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