Macon Baseball 2018 and Macon-Bibb County on Thursday are unveiling planned renovations to Historic Luther Williams Field in preparation for the launch of a new Coastal Plain League expansion team in 2018.The renovations consist of three key phases, all to be completed prior to the start of the 2018 Coastal Plain League season.
Phase I
The first phase consists of substantial improvements to the existing facility and infrastructure.
· Concessions. The improvements include expanding concessions from four points of sale to more than 30, building a new Craft Beer Corner, additional food preparation areas, and new unique portable food stands.
· Seating bowl. The entire seating bowl will be repainted, power washed, and stained for a fresh, new look. Each seat in the 200 level reserved seating will be re-coated and repaired where necessary.
· Team Store. One existing concession stand will be turned into a roughly 750 square foot team store open to the public on game days and non-game days throughout the year.
· Pre-Game Group Picnic Area. A brand-new 25 person pre-game picnic area will be created on the concourse for smaller groups to enjoy food and drinks before the game. Then head to their seats in the seating bowl. The pre-game area is available for groups at $25 per person which includes seats in the reserved level, and unlimited food and drinks.
· Refurbished bathrooms. All the existing bathrooms will be refurbished with new paint, fixtures and where possible, air conditioning.
· Rebuilt playing field and dugouts. The playing service will be rebuilt to re-install the warning track and improve field drainage both on the field and in the dugouts.
· Renovated locker rooms. Both home and visiting locker rooms will be refurbished and renovated with fresh paint, new ceiling tiles, new bathroom fixtures, and refurbished coach’s offices.
Phase II
The third base side of Luther Williams Field, presently just an empty cement slab, will receive a total makeover including:
· VIP Tables. Along the fence, close to the action will be 4-top tables available in sets of four. The second row will feature high-top drink rail tables available in sets of two or four seats for the season. With only 12 tables available, they are expected to sell quickly. VIP tables include unlimited food and drinks, wait service and VIP Parking will begin at $30/seat.
· Group Outings Deck. A new group hospitality deck will be built along the left field line with space for up to 150 people and include unlimited catered food and drinks for just $25/person. The deck is sizeable for groups from 25-150 and will be available every game.
· Beer Garden. Down the left field line will see the creation of a 2000 square foot beer garden serving many local Macon beers. The beer garden will have tables, chairs, umbrellas, and be one of the largest sports venue beer gardens in the southeast U.S.
· New Concession stands. To handle increased crowds, a brand-new concession stand will be built in left field featuring ballpark fare, snacks, and drinks.
Phase III
On the first base side, Luther Williams Field will receive a dramatic new look with new seating features rarely seen, even in minor league baseball.
· VIP Tables. Like the third base side, the first base side will have 12 4-top tables and second row drink rail VIP seating. Both will include wait service, unlimited food, drinks and VIP parking.
· Cabana Suites. A brand-new product to the Macon community are outdoor ‘Cabana Suites’. There are six suites available for every event holding up to 16 people. The suites come with unlimited ballpark fare plus, soft drinks and water and are $800/night. They are available on a nightly basis, or in five game plans.
· Kids Play Zone. For the youngsters visiting Luther Williams Field, a new kids’ play area will be created behind the new right field seating areas, but still have a view of the field. The kids’ play area will have bounce houses and kids games for a nominal fee.
· Group Hospitality. Just past the VIP Tables and the Cabana Suites is a new group seating area for groups of 40-60 people with high-top tables and umbrellas. Seats in this area are also $25/person, and come with unlimited food and drinks.
Ticket packages for all new seating areas are on sale now including: full season, 10-game plans, and 5-game plans. They are available by visiting www.maconbaseball2018.com or calling the team’s offices at 478-803-1795. New stadium renderings are also available on the team’s website or by calling Tyler Vertin, Director of Marketing for Macon Baseball 2018 at 478-803-1795 or email Tyler for electronic files at tvertin@maconbaseball2018.com
About the CPL
The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s premier summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 21st season in 2017, the CPL features 15 teams playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The new Macon team will be the 16th team in 2018. The CPL has had over 1,400 alumni drafted and 108 of those – including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – make their Major League debut; while another notable alum – Russell Wilson – won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com and follow us via Twitter @CPLBaseball.