Kevin Reichard - Ballpark Digest (original) (raw)
D-Backs, Phoenix look to state for Chase Field renovations funding
With the decision made to stay in downtown Phoenix, the Arizona Diamondbacks and state officials are seeking funding options for Chase Field renovations–with a local sales-tax rebate next on the agenda. (more…)
Rays tell St. Pete they are behind Tropicana Field repairs
The Tampa Bay Rays have formally informed the city of St. Petersburg that they are backing a $55.7-million plan for Tropicana Field repairs, after massive damage caused by Hurricane Milton, in time for the 2026 MLB season. (more…)
National recognition for Jackie Robinson Ballpark proceeds
Efforts to declare Jackie Robinson Ballpark a National Commemorative Site continue, as the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill moving the process forward to President Joe Biden for his signature. (more…)
Dave Kaval departs A’s to pursue new business opportunities
Dave Kaval, the Athletics president who spearheaded new-ballpark efforts in Las Vegas and at Oakland’s Howard Terminal during the past eight years, is leaving the team to pursue new business opportunities in California. (more…)
Smith’s Ballpark adaptive reuse on SLC agenda
Salt Lake City is moving forward with three potential future uses for the former home of the Salt Lake Bees (Triple-A; Pacific Coast League), as Smith’s Ballpark adaptive reuse seems likely. (more…)
Tampa Bay Rays ballpark deals collapse, raising issues for 2026
Imagine owning a sports franchise worth $1.25 billion. You’ve worked for years on a new ballpark plan, finally proposing redevelopment everyone likes. One hurricane and one election later, and suddenly your current home is trashed and the future home is in doubt. Welcome to the joys of owning the Tampa Bay Rays. (more…)
Barons announce 2025 Rickwood Field game
The Birmingham Barons are set to return to their former home, announcing a 2025 Rickwood Field game for June 4, hosting the Rocket City Trash Pandas in an afternoon game. (more…)
Hurricane not only tears off Trop roof, but tears up Tampa Bays Rays ballpark planning
Hurricane Milton not only tore the roof off Tropicana Field: It upended all planning for a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark, potentially killing a St. Pete facility, and forcing the team to play the 2025 season at the minor-league Steinbrenner Field. (more…)
New Astrodome redevelopment concept unveiled
We lead the week with two big news stories from Houston. The second: The Astrodome Conservancy unveiled a new Astrodome redevelopment concept, as the nonprofit teams with Gensler Architects to create a sustainable business via adaptive reuse for the historic venue. (more…)
New for 2025: Daikin Park
We lead the week with two big news stories from Houston. The first: The Houston Astros have sold naming rights to the former Minute Maid Park, leading to a new name of Daikin Park for the 2025 season through 2039. (more…)
Adaptive reuse in Columbia: Can Capital City Stadium be saved?
Capital City Stadium is one of the more historically interesting ballparks once part of Minor League Baseball. But as Columbia (S.C.) struggles to identify a future for the facility, one big question remains: Can this ballpark be saved? (more…)
End of an era: No more Oakland Athletics
Though this move was announced months ago, it’s still a slight shock to the heart of any baseball fan to realize that the Oakland Athletics are no more, replaced temporarily by a bare-boned Athletics moniker until the move to Las Vegas. (more…)
Tropicana Field roof shredded by Hurricane Milton; Rays face plenty of ballpark decisions
With most of the Tropicana Field roof shredded by Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Rays and Major League Baseball must address the team’s short-term and long-term needs for home play just five months before the 2025 regular season starts. (more…)