Thursday night was a big night for Black Hills Sports, Baseball Parents Inc and Post 22 Baseball. Jordan Burbach from Architecture Inc. was on hand to unveil the drawings and 3D tour of the new stadium.
We were honored to have Ed Fitzgerald, Floyd Fitzgerald’s nephew, as well as Patty Ploof, wife of the late Dave Ploof as well as over 150 people were on hand from the community to see the unveiling for the much needed renovations. Fitzgerald Stadium has a long history in Rapid City. Over 70 years old, it has been home to Post 22 Baseball and seen thousands of baseball games including 3 Legion World Series Tournaments.
After a few opening remarks, Jordan Burbach from Architecture Incorporated offered a video 3D walkthrough tf the new stadium. (See video link on our home page)
Taking a tour of the new stadium, you will approach the new ticket booth with “The Fitz” proudly hung overhead. As you walk through the widen gates, the team store “Catch 22” is connected and easily accessible for your apparel and souvenir needs.
Turning left, the concourse will be widened and a spot for a future Hall of Fame Plaza is planned. The expanded bathroom area will be upgraded in this area as well.
Heading down the third base line, you will notice that the big green fence is gone and replaced with a slotted metal fence. A concrete padded “multi-purpose area” will be down the third base line to offer options for families to hang out and the possibility of a children’s play area.
Also available is new ramp system to make every level of the stadium handicap accessible. The dugouts will be revamped with a large grassy berm area over top for families to sit on blankets and enjoy the game.
Down the first base area is a raised grassy area and additional bleacher seating. The umpire room will be placed down the first base line near the outer fence and the updated press box will be behind the seating. The concession stand will be moved back between the indoor facility and the new ticket booth to open up the area behind the new COVERED seating area.
New stadium seating (box seat area) will be between the dugouts and in the middle of the large covered seating area. The rest will remain the bench seating for families to share blankets and room to spread out. All middle seating will be covered with an innovated design no large posts that might block your view. This covered seating will offer shade to all main seating sections throughout the day. ADA seating will be available at ALL levels.
Changes on the field will be major. All artificial turf will be installed as well as a new drainage system so rain delays are kept to a minimum. Bullpens will now be on the field down the baselines and the berm areas are a perfect area for you and the kids to watch your favorite pitcher warm up.
Construction will begin the day after the last 2020 season game and be completed in time to start the 2021 season.
As always – we look forward to seeing you at “The Fitz”.