Athletic facilities are having to get creative in order to earn revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic that has kept them from opening their doors to games and events.
While some stadiums have become drive-in movie theaters, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos are taking a different approach — turning Blue Wahoos Stadium into an Airbnb. It’s been a hit, with the Minnesota Twins’ Class AA minor league affiliate selling all 33 dates within 24 hours. A wait list has been created for individuals still interested in renting the stadium in Pensacola, Fla.
“We were talking about how to use the stadium different,” said Mallory Studer, the daughter of team owners Quint and Rishy Studer. “Knowing how the company is always looking for unique experiences to share, I thought of this one. Where would you want to stay where you had the whole place to yourself? I thought of the stadium and clubhouse.”
The Airbnb costs $1,500 per night for up to 10 guests, according to WTOP News. The stadium is still publicly open for dining, a move that has helped the team provide all employees with work during the pandemic.
People who rent the Airbnb get an opportunity to stay the night in the team dining room at Blue Wahoos Stadium, which has been altered to have two queen beds, four bunk beds, two flat screen TVs and a kitchenette. Renters can also access the clubhouse — which includes coaches, TVs, a sound system and a ping pong table — as well as the batting cage and Admiral Fetterman Field. The field will have its lights on until midnight and give people a number of options, including playing whiffle ball, taking batting practice or watching movies on the video board.
Renters can also purchase a fireworks show, personalized jerseys, a catered dinner, a drinks package and cooking classes. A staff member will also be staying in the stadium for security and to answer questions.
“Growing up in Chicago as a kid, there is always magic about being in a stadium,” Quint Studer said. “I never got to touch the grass, but I would have loved to. I think what we want to do is just create these experiences that people will remember for a long time.”
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