Mortenson Begins Six-Month Renovation of Cheney Stadium

Tacoma, WA — Crowds gathered to watch the first steps taken toward the $25 million renovation of Cheney Stadium, which will include 16 luxury suites, a 4,000-square-foot club and restaurant, new concessions and restrooms, and new team clubhouse facilities.

The Rainiers, who will now hold playoff games at Safeco Field, drew a large crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony. To kickoff demolition, an all-star lineup took turns swinging a commemorative Louisville Slugger bat to the left field wall. Brad Cheney, president of the Ben B. Cheney Foundation, took the first swing followed by the Rainiers General Manager Aaron Artman, Schlegel Sports Group owner Kirby Schlegel, Tacoma Deputy Mayor Jake Fey, Tacoma Public Assembly Facilities Director Mike Combs, with former GM of the Tacoma Tigers, Stan Naccarato, batting clean up.

Demolition will be completed in just 21 days, and rebuilt in time for the Rainiers first home game on April 14, 2011.