As part of $130 million dollar bond passed last May, Highland Park used $6 million of that to break ground on a brand-new baseball and softball complex that will be ready for both programs to debut in the spring of 2025.
“Getting these new athletic programs was big for us,” Highland Park superintendent Jimmy Hannon said. “Historically, Highland Park students interested in playing baseball or softball would transfer and go play somewhere else. Over the course of time, we had influence from a student. He asked us to consider baseball and softball here. That grew bigger and here we are.”
As part of $130 million dollar bond passed last May, Highland Park used $6 million of that to break ground on a brand-new baseball and softball complex that will be ready for both programs to debut in the spring of 2025.
“Getting these new athletic programs was big for us,” Highland Park superintendent Jimmy Hannon said. “Historically, Highland Park students interested in playing baseball or softball would transfer and go play somewhere else. Over the course of time, we had influence from a student. He asked us to consider baseball and softball here. That grew bigger and here we are.”
That student is Isaac Alaca who will be a part of the Hornets inaugural baseball team next year. Alcala, a junior, started his campaign for athletic expansion as a freshman two years ago but never thought at the time this would become a reality. [PressPass.com]
Over the years, Burke Stadium has played host to the NSAA Track and Field Championships and other events connected to Burke High and Omaha Public Schools. The place gets quite a bit of use.
“It’s athletic, it’s fine arts, it’s community gatherings, community events, so it plays a pivotal role, and not just for Burke, but multiple high schools in our district,” said Dr. John Krogstrand, OPS’s director of athletics.
Plans to renovate the stadium will soon be underway. The track and competition areas will be totally redone, along with new restrooms, media areas and concession stands. The work will begin when the track meet is over. The construction schedule means the Burke Bulldogs will need to play their football games away from the team’s friendly confines. Krogstrand says the inconvenience during construction will be worth it. Students in the district will have an updated facility to use, and the importance of the planned renovation also has an impact on the city at large. [WOWT]
The Cincinnati Open will get a brand new look next year, with the entire Lindner Family Tennis Center campus set for an “extensive renovation”—complete with a brand new sunken stadium court and a two-story player center—prior to the expanded 2025 tournament.
The Cincinnati Open, previously named for sponsor Western & Southern, is one of the longest-running tennis tournaments in the U.S. and a fan-favorite combined ATP and WTA Tour stop during the buildup to the US Open. The tournament will be celebrating its 125-year anniversary during this year’s edition—but at this time last year its future was still up in the air.
Ben Navarro, head of Beemok Capital and the tournament owner, acquired the event’s sanction from the USTA in 2022 and had considered moving it to Charlotte, North Carolina. But last October, the group announced plans to not just keep the event in Mason, Ohio for the next 25 years, but to give the campus a massive $260-million facelift as well. [Tennis.com]
To subscribe to the free daily e-newsletter offering the latest industry news, products and insights from — and written for — the athletics, fitness and recreation industries, see below on this page, or click here.
