Reviewed by: Pat Byington
City of Huntsville approves $27.7 million renovation of Joe Davis Stadium
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On December 16th, the City of Huntsville announced their approval of a $27.7 million dollar contract with Lee Builders to renovate the beloved Joe Davis Stadium, a minor league baseball park originally built in 1985. This development is sure to be a home-run—keep reading for all the details!
Huntsville’s Beloved Minor League Baseball Park
Originally constructed in 1985, Joe Davis Stadium was named for a longtime mayor of Huntsville, Joe W. Davis. In the late 1980s, the Double A franchise of the Nashville Sounds moved to the Rocket City, becoming the Huntsville Stars & playing at Joe Davis Stadium. In fact, at their first game on April 19, 1985, the Stars defeated the Birmingham Barons 10-0!
After 31 seasons of minor league play, Joe Davis Stadium held its final game on May 25, 2015.
Although a Huntsville city official claimed that the stadium would be razed in 2015, the City of Huntsville began working on plans to renovate the structure as a mixed-use facility in late 2019.
A $27.7 Million Dollar Renovation of Joe Davis Stadium
Over the 14-month remodel, crews from Lee Builders will work to transform the stadium from a single-use baseball park into a modern sports facility, able to accommodate a number of events including high school football, lacrosse, soccer, city sports clinics and other community events.
In addition to fresh landscaping, the project will include:
- A new synthetic turf field
- LED Sports Lighting with Full Color Animation
- A new restroom & concession building with expanded food service options
- Renovated locker rooms
- Officials locker rooms
- Field-level boxes
- Terraced seating on the north side
During the remodel, seating capacity will be reduced from 10,000 to 6,600, but don’t fret. The City of Huntsville believes the reduced seating capacity will allow for open terraces and better visibility for all patrons.
Construction on the renovation of Joe Davis Stadium is expected to begin in early 2022, and be complete in time for the spring season in 2023.
What are your thoughts on the $27.7 million renovation of Joe Davis Stadium? Tag us @thebamabuzz to let us know!
