Stadium Renovations

This post started as a reply to a comment that was made on my ‘Happy New Year’ post. I was replying to a question that was asked regarding the status of the stadium renovations. After writing 4-paragraphs I realized my reply was getting to long and I needed to re-work it and publish it as a new topic.

I want to say that I have no ‘inside’ information as to the renovation plans of Commerce Bank Park. Everything discussed in this post is either my views or it was published/discussed elsewhere. As of this post the Harrisburg Senators have not released any detailed information regarding the renovations. I will continue to post any updates regarding the renovations as they become available to me. If given the opportunity to question the status of the stadium renovations I will do so and post my findings here. When the renovations actually start I will photograph the whole process and post the images here so you may follow the progress.

The original design, which was released to the public a while back, is being reworked. From what I read, the original design was geared towards attracting a Triple-A team (which was required at that time to receive funding from the State). The new plan will be designed to keep Harrisburg at the Double-A level. The new plan should cost significantly less which means they should not require as much State funding as they initially requested.

It has been discussed that they are waiting for funding from the State and the renovations can’t begin until they receive that money. With no new design finished, at least one has not been released to the public; they can’t honestly know how much they will need. To approach the State asking for money they will need a detailed design, a firm dollar amount, their portion of the renovation money and probably a bunch of other stuff. If you have ever purchased a house, just remember all the stuff you need to secure that money. Just imagine what you would need when asking for several million dollars. Renovations might be delayed for a long while if State funding is necessary. Trust me, any money that the State was in negotiations with the City of Harrisburg for stadium renovations is being used elsewhere (remember negotiations were about two years ago). Mayor Reed worked diligently to secure funding from the State but at the time of negotiations the City of Harrisburg did not have their portion of the money needed to fund the project. Which ultimately lead to a break down in negotiations with State officials. The City of Harrisburg came up with their portion of the money AFTER negotiations ended.

As far as what is rumored to stay and go; I read that only the field will remain. Which makes sense to me because that field is one of the best in the EL (maybe even the best). To me this means new seating, concession stands, press box, score board, and hopefully a much needed upgrade to the locker rooms, dugouts and front offices.

As for when the renovations will start. I’m not sure. I’ve read they are planned to start in August 2008 during the final weeks of the regular season. This doesn’t make much sense to me. What if the Senators make the playoffs? Do they really want construction going on during the final month of the season and during the playoffs? How much will the ongoing construction inconvenience the paying customer? That time frame might not be the best choice so I think this is more rumor then fact. At this point I highly doubt any construction will begin until after the 2008 season is over. Remember the key factor is that renovations will only begin if funding is secured.

If State funding is required for the project I’m not expecting stadium renovations to begin until after the 2009 season at best. If the new ownership can secure funding elsewhere then renovations might begin at the end of the 2008 season. Building a stadium takes money and if the money is not there then it has to be put off until it is available.

I’m sure the new ownership and Senators Front Office will do everything in there power to give the fans and players a new stadium. They are good people dedicated to building a quality stadium in Harrisburg. It will happen….but when? At this point I’m not so sure the stadium will be ready for the start of the 2009 season as many were hoping for. Anything can happen....

This seems to be a hot topic right now. So as always you are welcome to discuss it (just click on 'comments' below).

Will