2008 Woodie Awards
Transition to Faber smooth for Bats
Travis Weldon
Issue date: 7/9/07 Section: Sports
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The River Bats have spent the past 10 seasons at Dick Putz Field. This year, the front office decided to move next door to Joe Faber Field that has all the bells and whistles of a minor league ballpark.
"It's just a much better venue over here for the fans to enjoy a ball game," Vice President Marc Jerzak said. "There is a lot more room."
Dick Putz field was built in 1971, but building standards and codes have changed over the years.
"The handicap accessibility was horrible at Dick Putz field," Jerzak said. "There was only six restrooms in a 2,000 seat stadium for the women. Down the line when the bathrooms are done, we will have 12 more down there."
Other new additions include the Charter sports deck down the left field line. People can pay $19 and enjoy unlimited food and soda throughout the game, and cans of beer are $1 while bottles are $1.50.
"It gives fans another chance for Bats fans to experience the game in a whole new way, a party atmosphere" Jerzak said.
The deck has three tiers with barstools and a place to rest your food and drink. There is also patio furniture available as well.
The Space Aliens satellite suite can be rented and accommodates 30 people above the visiting team's dugout. Fans enjoy unlimited food and beverages, including beer. Above the River Bats dugout is the tournament deck which can hold 60 people and enjoy the same amenities as the satellite suite.
The skybox suite can be rented out for $200 and has free food and beverages available. Also inside is a flat-screen TV so no one in the suite has to miss a Twins game.
Another big addition includes the grandstand, which has 17 rows, all with backrests. At Dick Putz field, only two rows have backrests.
Overall, Jersak said the fans have responded well to the change.
"For people walking into the lobby here to walking out after they experience the game, it's all smiles," he said. "It feels like you are going to a minor league park. You've got the nice walkway, the golf course to your left, the oak trees, the River Bats signs on the light poles. Over at Dick Putz Field, you didn't know if you were going to a hockey game or you're going to a baseball game. Fans are loving it."