Holland Construction Services Advancing New $17 Million Baseball Park for Southern Illinois Miners in Marion, IL.
5,310-Seat Ballpark to Open in May 2007
January 15, 2007
MARION, IL - Construction is proceeding on the highly anticipated Miner's Baseball Stadium in Marion, IL. The $17 million ballpark, being built by Holland Construction Services of Swansea, IL., will be completed in time for the home opener of the Southern Illinois Miners on May 29, 2007. The Miners are the newest addition to the independent Frontier League.
The state-of-the-art facility, located at the intersection of Interstate 57 and Illinois Route 13 in Marion, aspires to become a new regional gathering place for families across southern Illinois. Featuring an artificial turf field, it will also be used by college and high school baseball, high school football and high school soccer teams as well as a venue for concerts and other non-sporting events.
The ballpark utilizes land that was previously mined for coal. "It is great that we are able to revitalize land that wasn't able to be redeveloped in past years. This will be a major economic development for southern Illinois," said Mike Thiessen, a spokesman for the Miners.
The masonry structure will be accented by a bold, intricately designed, sculptural steel canopy that in addition to aesthetic appeal will provide welcome shade for summertime fans. It will host refreshment stands and a team store, accessible from outside the stadium or from its concourse. A 2,800-square-foot banquet room will be available for year round use. In deference to the natural beauty of its setting - the ballpark overlooks a lake and forested area - the grounds will be elaborately landscaped with distinctive natural grasses and vegetation.
The design by 360 Architecture of Kansas City, Mo. focuses on creating a comfortable environment for fans. Seats are close to the field, with shade provided by the 56-foot wide wrap-around canopy. "A priority for this stadium was fan comfort. Additionally, the canopy presented us with the opportunity to give the ballpark a unique, memorable feature," said John Eyler, a principal with 360 Architecture.
The stadium is programmed to allow fans to view the game from multiple angles and atmospheres. It will feature an open party deck on the second level of the third base side; a kids zone playground adjacent to the lawn seating area to make it easy for parents to keep a watchful eye; a picnic area; a destination area where fans can take a break from the game and spend time with friends and neighbors; and enclosed luxury suites for private groups. "Our goal is to have the venue becomes the 'living room' of Southern Illinois, where families can relax and enjoy all that baseball has to offer," said Theissen.
General seating will accommodate 3,450 people, with terrace, lawn, indoor and premium second level seating adding 1,860 seats.
Despite the tight schedule and unforgiving, unpredictable winter weather, Holland and its team of subcontractors and suppliers remain committed to having the facility ready for baseball on May 29.
"Our experience working with Holland has been outstanding across the organization, from the guys on site to the people supporting them back in the main office. We are glad to have them as part of our team and look to work with them again in the future," said Thiessen.
The Marion ballpark is the sixth major athletics-focused project in which Holland has been involved in since 2002. Currently, it is nearing completion of a $9 million, 50-acre municipal Sports Park in O'Fallon, IL. Previously, it completed the $10 million Edwardsville YMCA in Edwardsville, IL; the $5.1 million Monroe County YMCA in Columbia, IL; the $4.4 million Kern Center YMCA in Belleville, IL; and the $6.5 million Gateway Grizzlies baseball stadium in Sauget, IL. The company has also built numerous primary and secondary schools with playing fields and gymnasiums.
Founded by Bruce Holland in 1986, Holland Construction Services offers design/build, general contracting and construction management services to commercial, retail, healthcare, senior living, light industrial and educational clients. The firm is ranked among the top 25 contractors in the St. Louis area by the St. Louis Business Journal.
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