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New look taking shape for Spitz Stadium

Jan 17, 2018 | 12:35 PM

LETHBRIDGE – After 43 years, the city’s primary ball park is sporting a new look.

“It’s fairly striking,” project manager Ric Johnston said outside Spitz Stadium Wednesday, Jan. 17. “The size now is very apparent, just how big it is. It’s a major improvement to the stadium, we feel it will be a major improvement to the fan experience to come in, and something that the Lethbridge Bulls can be very proud of as well.”

 

 

Johnston said construction was held up during the extreme cold, but crews should be able to make up the time. Substantial completion is expected at the end of April, with the city taking possession approximately a month later.

“Part of the thing with the construction we’ve had, with the two phases, is working around the baseball schedule,” he said. “So, we really can’t do much construction during the summertime because the use of the field extends throughout the season, with various groups. So, we’re confined to winter construction, but I think we’re looking pretty good as far as that goes.”

The first phase involved new washrooms and concessions, and mechanical system upgrades beneath the grandstand. The portion now underway involves building a new upper-level concourse, and an elevator. Johnston said it’s all aimed at improving the spectator experience.

“So, now the stadium will be a top-down bowl, rather than before, you came from the bottom and you worked your way up. Again, from a spectator experience, you arrive at the top and everything’s up in front of you, and you can go down to your seats,” he explained.

One major improvement is to accessibility, with more designated seats – at least 13 – as well as the elevator. Where there had previously been a limited number of accessible seats behind the backstop, there will now be a premium seating area. The new second level will also include an expanded press box.

“The existing press box is very tiny, which made it difficult for out-of-town teams, when they come, because they may want to broadcast themselves, so there’ll be facility for all of that there.”

The city allocated $2.3 million from its Capital Improvement Program for the second phase work, on the heels of $2.9 million for the first phase, from the previous capital plan.