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SPORTS
Chuck Landon: Raze arena and build baseball park there
Marshall University needs a baseball park.
The city of Huntington needs a minor league baseball franchise.
Why can’t we have both?
If Huntington and Cabell County leaders would partner with Marshall administrators and private investors, it easily could happen.
All it would take is cooperation, progressive thinking and the desire to make Huntington a more user-friendly city. Basically, the same ingredients it took to create Pullman Square.
That’s why I fervently believe it could be done.
Just look at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston. There’s no reason Huntington couldn’t build a similar ballpark on a slightly-smaller scale.
If Charleston can do it, why not Huntington?
Bring in a Frontier League franchise or, perhaps, one from the Appalachian League and let the minor league team share the ballpark with Marshall. Since both leagues are basically short-season, there would be few if any scheduling conflicts.
Personally, I recommend the Frontier League.
The nearby Chillicothe (Ohio) Paints are a perfect model. In 2007, VA Memorial Stadium drew over 200,000 fans for over 300 events during a 10-month period.
The Rockford (Illinois) RiverHawks play in 3,279-seat Road Ranger Stadium, which also hosts all Rockford College home games. Meanwhile, Rent One Park in Marion, Ill., hosts the Southern Illinois Miners and John A. Logan College.
Then, there’s Wuerfel Park in Traverse City, Mich. It is home to the Traverse City Beach Bums of the Frontier League. It seats 4,200 and was built in 2006 for $6 million.
Yes, Huntington, it can be done.
I know what you’re wondering. Location? Location? Location?
The primo place would be to tear down the Big Sandy Superstore Arena and build a ballpark there. With Pullman Square being so close, it would be perfect.
Besides, it isn’t like the Big Sandy Superstore Arena has been making money. To be honest, that building has been a boondoggle since it was built in 1977 for $10.5 million.
That’s because the city and county bickered over it. The county turned thumbs down. And the city built it anyway.
Ever since, it has been a 9,000-seat white elephant.
A ballpark would be more lucrative and also increase business at Pullman Square. It is win-win.
As for non-summertime concerts, Marshall could partner with a private management firm and book performers for the Henderson Center. That’s the norm in many college towns.
It also could generate revenue for Marshall.
Then, there are the private investors. I wouldn’t be surprised if the West Virginia Power ownership group, which includes several Huntington residents, showed interest in also owning a local minor league franchise.
Think about it.
Considering the proximity and the fact the Power infra-structure already is in place, one expanded front office and one slightly increased sales staff could run both ball clubs.
They could use the same marketing schemes and even the same promotions.
It easily could work.
With this plan, Marshall could have a baseball home it was proud of and host Conference USA opponents, which would generate hospitality revenue.
And Tri-State baseball fans would have a minor league team to enjoy all summer.
This isn’t some far-fetched field of dreams.
This is doable.
It is the best of both baseball worlds for Huntington and Marshall.
Chuck Landon is a sports columnist for The Herald-Dispatch. Call him at 526-2827. E-mail him at clandon@herald-dispatch.com.
