Chicago Cubs break ground on new stadium:
"A groundbreaking ceremony on 11 July officially marked the beginning of construction on a new baseball stadium and spring training facility designed by Populous for the
Chicago Cubs. The project is due for completion before spring training in 2014 and will also include a reconfigured Riverview Park.
“This is a huge day for Mesa and the Cactus League as we move a step closer to creating a state-of-the-art stadium, training facility and signature park,” said Mayor Scott Smith at the ceremony. “We are grateful to the Mesa voters who made this a reality and I know they will be proud of what we are about to build.”
The US$99 million project, which was approved by Mesa voters in 2010, will have a capacity for 15,000 fans and will include a video board, shaded seats and luxury suites.
“Spring training in sunny Mesa has been special for
Cubs fans from around the country for more than 50 years,” says
Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts. “We are very excited the great tradition of Cubs baseball will continue in Mesa with a new stadium that will provide our players access to a world-class training facility year round while offering the best fan experience possible to visitors and residents.”
In addition to the stadium, the new complex will include seven full-size practice fields and one infield-only natural turf practice field.
The project will also reconfigure Riverview Park and will feature an innovative playground, large grass and shaded areas, event space and interactive water features. The lake will serve as both an urban fishing oasis and irrigation for the entire site of more than 150 acres. New pedestrian paths will connect the park and lake to the new stadium while gathering areas will be created for various community events to occur."
