PCL1 New Orleans Baby Cakes

Zephyrs Partner to Improve Zephyr Field

Published on December 9, 2003 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
New Orleans Baby Cakes News Release


Metairie, LA --- The NEW ORLEANS ZEPHYRS are pleased to partner with the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District (L.S.E.D.) and Jefferson Parish on several improvements for Zephyr Field. The components of the project are moving in the outfield fence, improving handicap seating in the outfield, increased outfield drainage and creating a maintenance area and platform for staging events.

"These improvements have been a major priority for this organization for over two years" states Zephyrs Vice President/ General Manager Dan Rajkowski. "We believe this will keep Zephyr Field among the best stadiums in all of minor league baseball and enhance the experience of all fans attending Zephyr games."

Zephyr Field opened in April of 1997 at a cost of $26 million. The state of Louisiana paid $21 million to build Zephyr Field as part of a capital outlay bill that also included the New Orleans Saints' practice facility, located behind Zephyr Field on Airline Drive, as well the New Orleans Arena, which is adjacent to the Superdome. The ownership also paid an extra $5 million for amenities, such as 16 VIP luxury suites, a swimming pool, two hot tubs in right field, the "Kenner Regional Korner", located in the right-field corner, and the Dickie Brennan's Home Run Porch located behind the left-field wall.

"The Zephyrs greatly appreciate the efforts of the L.S.E.D. chairman and board, Jefferson Parish President Tim Coulon and the Jefferson Parish Council" states Rajkowski. "This will create a safer playing environment for our players and help develop them into major league ball-players. It also improves access for disabled fans in the outfield seating area."

By moving the fences in, this will create a competitive balance as Zephyr Field has allowed the fewest home runs in the Pacific Coast League each of the past three seasons. The field can demoralize hitters while providing an artificial security blanket for pitchers. This will enhance the relationship with the Houston Astros and make the field more like Minute Maid Park.

"We are pleased with the Zephyrs organization has done on our behalf. This will give the ballpark a more standard configuration. This will allow our Player Development Department a better opportunity to evaluate our players" states Astros Assistant General Manager Tim Purpura.

The Zephyrs 2004 home opener is on Friday April 16th against the Iowa Cubs. Season tickets and mini plans are now on sale. For more information contact John Mooney with the Zephyrs at (504) 734-5155 ext 219.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from December 9, 2003


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