The Minnesota Twins Spring Training Camp Getting $48 Million Face Lift Starting Today
By Sarita Kelly
The Minnesota Twins and Lee County officials will break ground at 2 p.m. CDT on Thursday at their new $48.5 million renovation project at the team’s spring training complex in Fort Myers, FL.
Phase 1 of the project, which is scheduled for completion by next spring, will include expansion of Hammond Stadium’s seating capacity, the seats will go from 8,000 to 9,300, a new 360-degree boardwalk and concourse, new berm seating in left field, and a new parking lot.
Phase 2 of the project is set for completion by February 2015 and will include clubhouse expansion, restroom renovations and expanded concourses.
The Twins will have use of a new residential player development academy, a newly renovated minor league clubhouse and administrative offices, a new agility field, and a new Gulf Coast League playing field.
In addition, the Fort Myers Miracle, the Twins’ Class A Florida State League entry, plays at Hammond Stadium.
The Twins are contributing $6 million toward the residential component of the academy at their spring home since 1991. In November of 2012 thy signed a 30-year lease with Lee County.