Building the Future Preserving the Past The Carson Park Baseball Stadium Renovation Project is a collaboration between the City of Eau Claire, the users of the stadium, and YOU, the many supporters of baseball in the Chippewa Valley!
Carson Park Baseball STADIUM RENOVATION
Eau Cl aire Baseball HISTORY OF CARSON PARK
In 1937, the baseball stadium was constructed, and the first game was played on the fourth of May. It was home to the Eau Claire Bears of the Northern League, but it also hosted the American Legion State Tournament.
In 1914, the land that became Carson Park was donated to the City of Eau Claire by heirs of William Carson and was subsequently named in his honor.
The Bears would become the Eau Claire Braves in 1954 when the Boston Braves moved to Milwaukee.
On June 1, 2005, the summer collegiate Northwoods League debuted the Eau Claire Express at Carson Park. In addition to these two collegiate teams, four local high schools and the American Legion teams call Carson park home. Over 140 games are played on this field every year.
Eau Cl aire Baseball OF CARSON PARK
Minor League Baseball was played at Carson Park for 25 years! We have had many MLB greats call this historic stadium home.
In 1962, Minor League Baseball departed and the park did not have a primary tenant until 1971 when the Eau Claire Cavaliers played their first game on June 6th. The “Cavs” continue to play at Carson Park and will be celebrating their 50th season in 2020!
HISTORY
Andy Pafko
MLBFive1940timeAllstar Hank Aaron HallMLB1952of Famer Bob Inducted1956-57Ueckerinto the national Radio Hall of Fame Received(2001)theFord C. Frick Award (2003) Joe HallMLB1960TorreofFamer “Voice” of the Milwaukee Brewers
Restrooms – Currently, there is only one restroom for each gender. The number of stalls in each is sufficient for small events, but portable toilets need to brought in for larger events
Bleachers – Behind the first and third base dugouts, the bleachers are dated and are in need of replacement.
Eau Cl aire Baseball CURRENT CHALLENGES
Carson Park Baseball Stadium has a rich history, but its age is causing many challenges that affect the fans’ and players’ experiences. Plumbing The current pipes are dated and usually don’t thaw out until May, which causes the water to remain off far into the spring baseball season. Because of this, there are no indoor restrooms or concessions available during this time.
Handicap Accessibility – Current seating for people with special needs allows little room for family members to experience the game with their loved ones. Dugouts – The dugouts are not large enough for most teams, and they don’t provide adequate protection from the elements.
Large Platforms – The seating areas above the first and third base sides will have non-traditional seating, including high top tables and bar rail seating.
FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
Stadium Seating – The bleachers behind the first and third base dugouts will be replaced with individual stadium chairs
THE FUTURE
Handicap Accessibility – The Concourses will be widened in the new seating areas to provide additional handicap accessible seating.
Concession Stands – Fans will have additional concession stand areas to purchase food and beverages.
Eau Cl aire Baseball
Restrooms – New climate controlled restrooms will be available to fans during the entire baseball season.
Dugouts – Brand new “Big League” dugouts will be expanded and to be safer for the teams.
Thanks to proposed renovation plans, the future of Carson Park Baseball Stadium is bright! While the renovations will enhance visitor experiences, they will preserve the stadium’s rich history by leaving the grandstand and field unchanged.
Eau Cl aire Baseball HOW TO HELP Carson Park has been a popular entertainment venue in Eau Claire for over 80 years! The Carson Park Baseball Stadium Renovation Fund has been established at the Eau Claire Community Foundation and will be accepting tax-deductible donations and pledges for this project. TO MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION: Online at www.eccfwi.org Or send a check to ECCF/Carson Park, 306 S. Barstow Street, Suite 104 Eau Claire ,WI 54701 I f you want to make a gift through an IRA Rollover or give a stock donation, call the Foundation at 715.552.3801 or email: info@eccfwi.org. If you have questions regarding the project, please contact a member of the Carson Park Baseball Stadium Fundraising Committee: Mark Faanes – mfaanes@gmail.com Ty Fadness - Tyler.fadness@eauclairewi.gov Angela Kjellberg - Angela.kjellberg@aveanna.com John Mickelson - john@rbscott.com Randy Millis – randyrmillis@gmail.com Andy Neborak –aneborak@gmail.com Dale Varsho – dvarsho@eauclaireexpress.gov
Eau Cl aire Baseball PLEDGE FORM Yes! I’d like to donate to the Carson Park Baseball Stadium Renovation TITLE (MR., MRS., MS., DR.,) NAME(S) BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION IF APPLICABLE STREET ADDRESS SUITE/APT BUSINESSCITY/STATE/ZIPPHONE HOME PHONE EMAIL DONATION DONATION ENCLOSED: $ ONLINE DONATION(S): Please visit: www.eccommunityfoundation.org PLEDGE I (we) pledge a total of $ to be paid annually (min amount is $100 annually). Over the course of: 3 years 5 years 7 years 10 years EMPLOYER MATCHING GIFTS My (our) employer will match employee contributions. Name of employer ACKNOWLEDGMENT I (we) wish this donation to remain anonymous. Please use the following name(s) in the "Donor Recognition" opportunities: SIGNATURE ACKNOWLEDGING CONTRIBUTION DATE SEND FORM Make checks payable and mail to: ECCF - Carson Park CARSON PARK BASEBALL STADIUM RENOVATION
