Brian Kostiw- Since 1946, fans of all ages have flocked to McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island to watch baseball games. In 1970, the home team occupying that stadium became the Boston Red Sox Double A Affiliate minor league baseball team, the PawSox. After two years, it was decided that the level of talent in the area should be more competitive for an overly passionate fanbase. From 1972 on the team would go from being a Double A team to Triple A. This symbolizing that Pawtucket’s baseball team was insured soon to be big league talent. Over the years big league stars including Mookie Betts, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and Bronson Arroyo all started their careers In Rhode Island before transitioning to the bright lights of Fenway Park. Then as of August 17th of this year, all that changed with the announcement that the ballclub would be making the move to Worcester, MA and open in 2021. This transition will include a new stadium seating around 10,000 fans and it will have a distinct spot in the city’s Canal District by the old Wyman-Gordon metal forgery. The move became possible when a plan to relocate the team to Providence in 2015 was denied. There were even hopes of renovating McCoy, yet in the end that idea also went up in smoke. McCoy, built in 1946 is considered extremely outdated by comparison to other minor league ballparks. The team had wished for a fully fledged entertainment venue rather than just a place to catch a game. Luxury Boxes and other amenities mimicking that of major league fields is what was desired, these demands could not be met by the current stadium. The new Massachusetts stadium will be named Polar Park, tying in the local seltzer brand. Polar Park will also be home to other events including high school and college games as well as being open to allow visitors to walk the concourse, and eat lunch overlooking the field. This investment instills the goal of improving community life around the Canal District and making this location a staple of the city. PawSox Chairman Larry Lucchino said “We are eager to build an innovative, family-friendly ballpark that reflects the love and appreciation of baseball and that unifies Central Massachusetts and the Blackstone Valley Corridor” While this is a rough day for those in Rhode Island, it couldn’t be better for baseball fans in Worcester.
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