Heading to Hohokam: The Athletics in Mesa
Mar 16, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; A general view of Hohokam stadium prior to a spring training game between the Chicago Cubs and the Kansas City Royals. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports
March cannot come soon enough for Oakland Athletic fans. After a disappointing end to the 2014 season we look ahead to 2015 with hope and excitement of new beginnings. We start this new beginning by saying farewell to what the Athletics have called home in spring since 1982, the Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The A’s will be returning to Hohokam Stadium in Mesa where they trained from 1969-1978 as the original tenants.
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This deal was approved back in March of 2013 and entailed $20 million in renovations, $17.5 million from the city of Mesa and $2.5 million from the A’s. Anything exceeding the $20 million was also to be paid by the A’s. The improvements, which are expected to be completed in December include: color scheme, landscaping, a new HD scoreboard, new seats, some party decks, remodeled clubhouse, dugout benches and more. But don’t worry A’s fans, this stadium will keep the intimacy and green collar charm that we have all grown to love. Hohokam’s sister facility Fitch Park will be serving as the year-round home for Oakland’s Minor League Training. The improvements for Fitch Park included increasing the size by 27,000 square feet and updating the exterior to reflect the team’s character. This is a 20 year agreement with options to extend the contract to 30 years. As for the beloved Phoenix Muni? New home to the Arizona State University Sun Devils.
Fresh stadium and fresh start for the team! I can’t wait to see the improvements of both Hohokam Stadium and the Oakland A’s as a team during Cactus League games this spring. Who is ready to add a new Hohokam pin to their collection?