(From the City of Joplin)
Officials with the Joplin City Council, Parks and Recreation and the Joplin Blasters held a Groundbreaking Ceremony at the Joe Becker field today to recognize work beginning on the redevelopment of the stadium. Stadium architect Chad Greer of Corner Greer Architects in Joplin, as well as Crossland Construction and Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce representatives were also included in the event.
Plans for Joe Becker Stadium, located at 1301 E. 3rd, include numerous improvements in order for the facility to host the Joplin Blasters, a member of the American Association of Professional Baseball. The redevelopment of the stadium includes installing new lighting and fixed seating for approximately 2,400 fans, adding new ticketing and merchandising areas, multiple concession stands, new locker room facilities for umpires, home and visiting teams, and new restroom facilities for the stadium, and renovating the dugouts for both teams.
In addition, a new hospitality plaza with a picnic and berm area in the surrounding field area will provide space for up to 2,500 – 3,000 people, allowing families and fans to gather in a relaxing atmosphere while watching the game. A new upper concourse will also be part of the stadium with six box suites, patio space, press box, restrooms and elevator. Total assembly capacity for this area will be 500 to 550 people.
Other improvements focus on new sidewalks and right-of-way improvements, lighting, new plaza, paving and landscaping primarily in the area south of the stadium. The facility will be ADA accessible with a variety of seating options.
“This is a great time for Joplin sports fans,” said Mayor Mike Seibert. “The Joplin community has enjoyed games at Joe Becker Stadium for years. Now, we are providing the renovations and improvements to it that allow us to host a team in the premier independent league for baseball. We’re excited and hope that everyone will continue to watch as the stadium is completed. Who knows? We may have another Mickey Mantle coming to play in Joplin next year.”
The stadium redevelopment will cost $4.7 million. Chad Greer with Corner Greer Architects designed the stadium, and Crossland Construction is the contractor for the project. A photo rendering, along with information about the new stadium and its amenities were provided to those attending the ground breaking.
Shawn Suarez, General Manager with Joplin Blasters, participated in the groundbreaking and spoke about the various ticket options available for the Blasters inaugural season, along with other team information.
“We look forward to a great 2015 season with the Joplin Blasters playing in what we know will be a beautiful stadium,” said Suarez. “We are thrilled to be part of the Joplin area, because we know this community loves baseball. We are excited to offer tickets at various levels and hope to see everyone come out to cheer on the Blasters.”
Blasters’ tickets at various price ranges (depending on the seats selected) will soon be available. Box seats behind home plate run $12 per seat, while general admission is offered at $5 per seat. Seats in the Upper Reserved and Dugout Seating sections will cost $10 each, while Outfield Reserved seats will be $8.
Season tickets are currently available, as well as sponsorships for The Blasters. Anyone interested in these options or would like more information about The Blasters should call 417-437-6105.
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