Anyone who’s ever done a major remodeling project on a beloved family home has probably had the feeling: You’re excited about getting new digs but a little sad about what’s being lost, like those marks on the door sill that chronicled the kids’ growth spurts.
As the “old” Cheney Stadium is closed for a $30 million upgrade, local baseball fans are still in nostalgia mode – remembering all the things they liked about the place that was built in 1960. Many associate the stadium with fond memories of seeing great games and players on their way up to the majors, sharing quality time with family and friends, and enjoying a beautiful Northwest evening at the ballpark.
But even the most nostalgic fans have to admit the place could stand a face-lift.
It needs more bathrooms, new seating, and better training and clubhouse facilities. Anyone who spent the better part of an inning in line for a dog and a beer will attest that more concessions space is needed. And even though some fans may have their doubts about luxury suites, the owners seem to think they need them as a marketing tool. Getting them is one of the reasons they’ve agreed to keep the Tacoma Rainiers here for another 32 years.
Ideally, fans would be able to watch the team’s Pacific Coast League playoff games, which begin Wednesday, at Cheney. But the contractors want to start work right away to be sure the new ballpark will be ready for the team’s April 2011 opener.
That’s understandable, and fortunately a good solution has been worked out: The first round of home playoff games, at least, will be played at Safeco Field.
So Rainiers fans will have to trek to Seattle. That’s an inconvenience, to be sure, but what a thrill it will be for those players who haven’t been called up yet.
And there’s a bonus benefit: With Safeco Field hosting the Rainiers, Seattle baseball fans will get to see a winning team.
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