EL PASO, Texas – The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, on behalf of Fort Bliss, joined more than 500 people from the El Paso community to celebrate the start of construction for the future triple-A ballpark downtown, May 30.
The soldiers served as the color guard for the ceremony and were also one of the first to “break ground” at the site with custom shovels made from Louisville Sluggers.
“It’s an honor to represent Fort Bliss during this historic moment and help strengthen the bond between soldiers and El Paso,” said Sgt. 1st Class Charity Franco, the Fort Bliss SAMC president. “This is just another way to build relations with the community.”
Among the other attendees present were dignitaries representing both El Paso and other nearby communities such as Ciudad Juarez; leadership from the Minor League Baseball and the Pacific Coast League; members of the MountainStar Sports Group, the owners of the incoming team; leadership from local business, civic and charitable organizations; and members of the general public.
The ballpark is scheduled to open in April 2014 and hold 9,500 people within its 140,000 square feet. Its field will also be able to host concerts and other entertainment events.
“This is an exciting day for the Sun City,” said El Paso Mayor John Cook. “Today we are seeing progress and growth in the form of a brand new facility that will change the face of our City’s downtown and anchor exciting projects, which are revitalizing El Paso.”
Not only will this be El Paso’s first triple-A ball team, but it will also be the first located on an international border, said Alejandra de la Vega Foster, a member of MountainStar Sports Group.
“This ballpark is an asset to our bi-national community – something for everyone to enjoy,” she said. “We are thrilled that it will be so close and easily accessible to [citizens of Juarez] to come and enjoy the games and other events.”
When the park opens, fans can be excited to know the players they watch could one day be playing in the Major Leagues for the San Diego Padres, she added.
“I just can’t wait to get to a game,” said 5-year-old Jocelynn Custard, who plays on the Little Jaggers League baseball team. “It’s hard to tell now, but I know it’s going to be awesome.”