Major Renovations Underway to Ensure Baseball’s Future in Spokane

Exciting changes are happening at Avista Stadium as workers prepare for major renovations that will not only modernize the 65-year-old facility but also secure baseball’s future in Spokane for generations to come. In 2020, Major League Baseball (MLB) implemented several new requirements for minor league stadiums, making many of them non-compliant. Avista Stadium was no exception, prompting negotiations between the Spokane Indians ballclub and various government agencies.

The Spokane Indians, along with Spokane County, Spokane Valley, and the state of Washington, collaborated to secure the necessary $16.5 million to meet MLB’s standards while improving fan amenities. The parties involved worked diligently to ensure funding without resorting to a bond issue or constructing an entirely new stadium, like many other teams across the country are faced with.

Spokane County Commissioner Mary Kuney emphasized that baseball transcends politics, uniting people of all backgrounds in their love for the sport. She expressed her commitment, along with that of the community, to retain the stadium and professional baseball in Spokane.

The renovation project began after two years of negotiations and will be completed by opening day in 2025 to meet MLB’s deadline. Failure to comply with the new standards could result in losing their MLB affiliation, a fate that the Spokane Indians and their supporters were determined to avoid.

The extensive renovations will include moving the home clubhouse to the third base side, expanding both clubhouses, upgrading stadium lights to modern LED lights, and relocating the grounds crew area. In addition to meeting MLB requirements, the Spokane Indians have a “wish list” of fan amenity upgrades to be considered in the future.

The project’s largest aspect, known as “Phase 2,” will involve a complete reconstruction of the playing field, adding padded outfield walls, deepening and lengthening the dugouts, and extending protective netting. The County Parks and Recreation building will be renovated to house the Spokane Indians’ business operations, providing a catalyst for additional improvements to Spokane County’s Fair and Expo Center Campus.

The stadium will also be equipped with television cameras and streaming capabilities to enhance the fan experience. The Spokane Indians are confident that they have the right team in place to meet and exceed MLB’s requirements while delivering an exceptional stadium for the community.

Unlike other cities facing the daunting task of building new stadiums, Spokane is fortunate to have secured funding for renovations and avoid exorbitant costs. Municipalities such as Everett, Eugene, and Hillsboro are grappling with the challenge of finding funds for new stadiums ranging from $60 to $90 million.

The Spokane Indians are still working on securing funding for future phases of the project, including plans to expand the “Champions Club” and enhance other fan amenities. The team’s president, Chris Duff, is confident that the completed renovations will be something all partners can take pride in, ensuring that Avista Stadium and the Spokane Indians continue to serve the community for years to come.

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David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.