Calfee Park facts for kids
Press box at Calfee Park, 2015
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| Location | 700 South Washington Ave, Pulaski, Virginia, 24301 |
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| Owner | Shelor Motor Mile |
| Operator | Calfee Park Baseball, Inc. |
| Capacity | 3,200 |
| Field size | Left Field: 338 feet Center Field: 405 feet Right Field: 301 feet with 19 foot wall |
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Motor Mile Field
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| Location | Washington and Pierce Aves., SE, Pulaski, Virginia |
| Area | 15 acres (6.1 ha) |
| Built | 1935 |
| Architect | Millirons, Edgar Hampton Millirona |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| NRHP reference No. | 00001432 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | November 22, 2000 |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1935 |
| Renovated | 2015 |
| Main contractors | Works Progress Administration |
| Tenants | |
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Calfee Park is a famous baseball stadium located in Pulaski, Virginia, in the United States. It's a special place where the Pulaski River Turtles play their home games. This team is part of the Appalachian League, which is a summer baseball league for college players.
The park was built way back in 1935. It was a project by the Works Progress Administration, a government program that created jobs during a tough time in history. Calfee Park is so important that it's even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It got its name from Ernest W. Calfee, who was the mayor of Pulaski when the park was built.
Calfee Park can hold about 3,200 fans. It is currently owned and managed by David Hagan and Larry Shelor, who also own Shelor Motor Mile. Fans have voted Calfee Park as the best rookie-level ballpark in America multiple times, including in 2019 and 2020!
The stadium is tucked away in a valley within a neighborhood, just off U.S. Route 11. This means some houses around the park have amazing views of the games!
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Calfee Park: A Historic Baseball Stadium
What Makes Calfee Park Special?
Calfee Park is more than just a baseball field; it's a piece of history. It has been a home for many different baseball teams over the years. Imagine watching a game where future baseball stars might have played! The park's unique location in a neighborhood adds to its charm, making it a beloved spot for local fans.
A Look at Its History
Calfee Park first opened its gates in 1935. Over the decades, it has seen many changes and improvements. In 1999, the park got a big makeover. New seats were added behind home plate, and a large grandstand was built along the first-base side. They even added "open-air suites" with picnic tables, which are special areas for groups to enjoy the game. A new scoreboard also helped modernize the park.
Awesome Upgrades and Changes
Since 2015, Calfee Park has received over $9 million in amazing renovations! These upgrades have made the park even better for players and fans.
Modern Improvements for Fans
The park now has a brand-new press box and VIP towers. The team clubhouses, where players get ready, were also updated. A giant jumbotron was installed, making it easier to see replays and scores. Eighteen new outdoor suites were added, along with a new concession stand for snacks and drinks. Fans can also find cool souvenirs at the upgraded store.
There are more general admission seats and comfy padded club seats. The ticket offices were renovated, and several new parking lots were added, making it easier for everyone to visit.
Recent Additions and Awards
After 2015, even more cool things were added. These include a picnic pavilion, a three-tiered party deck in left field, and a walk-in retail store.
Before the 2019 season, the park got a new concourse along the third-base line. This concourse connects different parts of the park, making it easier to walk around. It also features another concession stand, more restrooms, and a rooftop "party deck" area. The party deck was even named the Best Ballpark Improvement (under $1 million) by Ballpark Digest, showing how much fans loved it!
