FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fireworks will not be the only thing to light up the sky during the upcoming July 4th weekend. New LED stadium lights are being installed, thanks to a promised upgrade by the City of Springfield.
The LED lights are the second-largest stadium improvement in ballpark history behind the new video board that was installed in 2016. Springfield Cardinals General Manager Dan Reiter said it is not only a goal to continue to enhance Hammons Field as a premium environment for player development and player safety, but also to enhance fan experience.
“We are very excited to partner with the City of Springfield and install our brand-new LED stadium lights at Hammons Field,” said Springfield Cardinals General Manager Dan Reiter. “The LED lights are not only a critical upgrade in continuing to bring our ballpark into compliance with Major League Baseball’s facility standards, but they will also greatly enhance the fan experience during games and events and allow us to really have some fun from an entertainment standpoint. They are one of the biggest (and brightest) stadium improvements in our ballpark’s history, and we can’t wait for everyone in our community to see them shining for the first time during our game, fireworks celebration and concert on the 4th of July.
Players and fans will get their first look at the new, radiant lights when the Cardinals open a one-week homestand beginning, July 4. Expect to see flashing lights after home runs, and multi-colored lights to enhance the game and promotions during the game.
The move comes as one of the first of many updates required by Major League Baseball for all its affiliated minor league stadiums. The City committed $4 million dollars in upgrades as a part of an agreement to purchase the stadium earlier this year, which is being used to fund the LED Lights installation and other required upgrades for MLB compliance. The improvements will bring the stadium up to Professional Development League (PDL) standards to improve safety and help the Cardinals remain competitive to offer quality experiences that benefit our residents and visitors, according to Amanda Ohlensehlen, the City’s Director of Economic Vitality.
The Cardinals 4th of July Game will feature a postgame Fans-On-Field Fireworks Celebration and postgame concert by Red Light Runner, presented by Aaron Sachs & Associates. It will also be a Great Southern Bank $2 Tuesday with hot dogs and bratwursts for just $2. First Pitch is 5:35pm, gates open at 4:35pm.
# # #
For more information, contact Cora Scott at 417-380-3352 or [email protected] or Andrew Buchbinder at 417-832-3041 or [email protected].