New Stadium Plans Unveiled

[RunnerBall]

Link:
www.bakersfieldcalifornian.com/sports/x1250043958/Long-awaited-plans-unveiled-for-a-new-Bakersfield-Blaze-ballpark

"...it is expected to become a venue for concerts and, potentially, Cal State Bakersfield baseball..."

Comments?

[flynhome]

I will believe it when concrete and steel start going up....

[flynhome]

Well...Based on newspaper reports it does look more promising this time around...However, 20 million is a lot of money. It might be nice to watch the Runners play at the new ball park but, I can see scheduling conflicts in April & May when the California League starts their season. I would rather see someone put up about two or three million for a 1500/2000 seat stadium and spectator amenities at Hardt Field.

[cpslograd]

I'd prefer a new Cal League level stadium for the Runners. I think it will help with recruiting. Plus, I might get to have a beer or two at the game.

[RunnerBall]

Yah....I'm mixed. I like the on campus venues for the 'feel' and as it drew students out to the games after classes....especially on Friday nights. The new off-campus stadium might offer nicer other amenities and more money (boxes, etc)

[RunnerBall]

Discussion regarding stadium:

www.bakersfieldcalifornian.com/local/bakosphere/x1514068953/Blazes-new-stadium-future-discussed?utm_source=widget_64&utm_medium=latest_entries_widget&utm_campaign=synapse

[RunnerBall]

Conditional use permit issued.

www.bakersfieldcalifornian.com/local/x1012270836/Developer-scores-use-permit-for-baseball-stadium

[cpslograd]

Sounds for real now. Hope you don't mind if I post it on the WAC board.

[flynhome]

Never thought it would happen....Bakersfield is "NOT A BASEBALL TOWN."

[RunnerBall]

With the move from CSUB to D-I, I lost interest in the Blaze. Cities smaller than our size have AAA (Reno, Toledo, Tacoma, Rochester NY) Sam Lynn ceased to be a relevant draw years ago with its location and orientation...not to mention how its deteriorated over the years (yes, I know the current owners fixed it up a bit...which did help). That said, Fresno struggles with its AAA affiliate (however they also lost their hockey team, so I'm not sure what's the deal there)
The little leagues are booming lately so the 'baseball town' thing doesn't really hold up well. BC football attendance had dwindled over the years as well. With cable TV and gobs of pro/DI college games on at any one time, its tough for local teams in many cities. Of course, winning helps too.

Bummer though that this stadium group first ballyhooed it like it was pretty much just a matter of time.