The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
73°F
Current Conditions
Clear sky
View complete weather report

Color Scheme

Subscribe now

Spokane diamond to get a little polish

By Melodie Little melodiel@spokesman.com

Avista Stadium, home of the Spokane Indians, is in the midst of receiving $1.6 million in improvements.

The upgrades are funded by a state legislative package this year that provided $7 million to be distributed among Washington’s five minor-league stadiums.

Bobby Brett, owner of the Spokane Indians — a minor league baseball team that calls Avista Stadium home — said the updates are less expensive than rebuilding the nearly 50-year-old ballpark. Plus, the state’s minor-league stadiums are receiving far less money than projects benefiting West side sports teams and fans, including the Seattle Mariners.

“There are other sports out here in the rest of the state and we aren’t asking for $300 million. It’s kind of spreading the wealth,” Brett said.

The project will replace the aging concrete beyond first and third bases and replace and repair the general-seating bleachers.

“That concourse is failing, it has been 50 years,” Brett said.

Next year, season ticket holders and attendees paying for the lower box seats will be notably more comfortable in new major league-style seats, said Chris Duff, vice president and general manager of the Spokane Indians.

Demolition is about 70 percent complete. The bleachers have been removed and the old concrete is scheduled to be broken down and hauled away next month, Duff said.

Garco Construction is handling the work and a portion of the money is being held in reserve and could possibly be used to update the complex’s aging buildings, Duff said, adding that the park hopes to have the upgrades completed by spring, when the Greater Spokane League baseball teams play a scheduled tournament there.

Brett is hoping that the Legislature follows through with additional pledged funding next year. Then, the concrete and seats between first and third bases and behind home plate can be replaced.

“It has been 49 years that this stadium has served the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene area,” Brett said. “These improvements are going to save this ballpark for the next generation.”