Prospect Insider - Ahh, the new Cheney Stadium

Ahh, the new Cheney Stadium

By Jason A. Churchill

By 03-02-2010

As a big advocate of minor league baseball, it literally warms my heart to hear the news that good old Cheney Stadium will be getting a full renovation.

Sure, they've made improvements over the past few seasons since Schlegel Sports took over, including new seats, a re-sod of the field and the new party decks. But this, my friends, is a different story, and is expected to be ready by Opening Day 2011.

The photos above and below are the general design idea and should be considered preliminary sketches, but how cool... how cool.

The local government has a lot to do with this, but we shouldn't look beyond the ownership group on this. They've been a strong ownership for the Rainiers and have been instrumental in keeping the team in town.

This view of the stadium plans to the left gives you a good idea of what the stadium will look like from the parking lot as you look in toward the tickets offices and gates. Gone are the concrete pieces -- insert new century ballpark look.
I like it. I wonder if they will name half the press box after me -- The Churchill Suite -- and half after Ryan Divish -- Divish's Livish Lounge.

The view to the right here is a closer look from the parking lot and shows you how much more modern the design is. And no, Rob Neyer, those aren't ghosts, they are prospective people, and the mock-ups are meant to show that the new design is going to be much more up-to-date when it comes to those in wheelchairs and people who have a tougher time getting around than others.

Two photos I did not upload and present here are of the Club area and the Suites. But both look nice, roomy and modern, too.

I imagine there will be tons of beer consumed in there. Maybe some by yours truly, as some old high school friends of mine will certainly be at the top of the list to buy into that idea.

This shot from the right field lawn is pretty awesome. I imagine there will be some sort of boundary between the fans and the field, of course, but you can bet it won't be a chain-link fence anymore.

If they had that four years ago, Chris Snelling wouldn't have scared the daylights out of the organization as he slid into or toward a dozen times.

To finish this off, here's the team's press release today:

The design team was unanimously chosen by a panel which included members from the City of Tacoma, the Rainiers, and the Cheney Foundation. They unveiled the preliminary design for renovation of Cheney Stadium subject to contract approval by the council. Council is set to make a final decision on Tuesday, March 9th.

"This project goes so far beyond the Tacoma Rainiers," Rainiers Team President Aaron Artman said. "A renovated Cheney Stadium will become a landmark and source of pride for the community. It speaks to a ton of hard work and a deep partnership between the Cheney Foundation, The City of Tacoma, Pierce County and the team."

As part of the project, the Rainiers entered into a 30-year lease with the city of Tacoma. Steve Patterson of Pro-Sports Consulting and formerly president of the Portland Trailblazers, was instrumental in advising the Rainiers on lease and financing.

The renovation is scheduled to break ground immediately following the 2010 baseball season. It includes something for everyone with plans for a redesigned, covered concourse, a right field grass berm with an attached children's play area, new bleachers beyond the left field wall, 300 club seats behind home plate, a 5000 square foot club/restaurant, and 16 luxury suites.

"That's the beauty of this venue. We're able to offer fans new and improved amenities, from luxury suites and new club to more concessions and restrooms," Artman added. "At the same time, coming to a game will remain very affordable so everybody in the community can experience what is sure to be one of the crown jewels of stadiums in the country."

Renovations will also include a new outfield fence line with inset bullpens, improved dugouts for home and away with tunnels and clubhouses directly behind each dugout. The home team will be switching dugouts in 2011 and gaining a brand new clubhouse.

"After seeing the plans and renderings of the renovated Cheney Stadium, the Mariners are excited for fans of the Rainiers, who will enjoy the new facilities. It is great that the park will remain on its long-time site as the home of Triple-A baseball in Tacoma," said Chuck Armstrong, Mariners President and COO.

The multi-level structure will be built on top of the existing seating bowl, which will be resealed and reinforced. The new structure will be independent from the existing structure; a purposeful choice made by the panel and the design team to maximize sustainability.

"What you saw today is the beginning of a new era for Triple-A Baseball in our region," said Mike Combs, Director of Tacoma's Public Assembly Facilities. "The legacy that Ben Cheney started over 51 years ago continues today."

Thanks to Alyson Jones of the Tacoma Rainiers for the additional information, and special thanks to Mike Curto, because, well, because we like him, and think the Broadcast Booth at the new ballpark should be named after him.

Really.

ahh,-the-new-cheney-stadium

Comments
The following 6 comment(s) for this article are shown below:

1. By: Chris Crawford on 03-02-2010 20:47:21
That's awesome, btw, hope everyone sees the lady with the mullet in the grass.

2. By: Jason A. Churchill on 03-02-2010 20:51:31
I think that "lady" is in transition! FTW!

3. By: randallball on 03-02-2010 23:32:59
Nice pics - it looks very cool. My buddy is heading up the team that is handling the electrical so I think he gets to be set up down there for the next year. Lucky bastard.

4. By: Slurve on 03-02-2010 23:50:28
Looking at the pictures I notice both a person in a wheelchair and another in crutches.http://prospectinsider.com/view/ahh,-the-new-cheney-stadium/#comments

5. By: PositivePaul on 03-03-2010 02:25:56
WHERE'S THE PHOTO PIT!!!

Indeed the broadcast booth should immortalize the great Mike Curto!

While I'm a huge fan of the current old-school stadium, I do recognize it need a metric f-ton of work. I mean, seriously, the visitors' clubhouse is a freakin portable trailer beyond the LF fence? When SLC is in town, we can keep it for them. Screw the Angels in all their iterations!

I like what I've seen so far. Definitely needs to be more accessible for folks in wheelchairs, etc. And, actually, I thought the folks on crutches were reminders of Snelling...

6. By: Hackinator on 03-03-2010 15:48:09
I grew up with Don Hill (voice of the Giants) , recreated games from Islander Stadium , Black Label beer commercials with the whistling bird , Jordan bread knot hole club,,,,, ah memories of my youth.

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