New Chicago Cubs & ASU Baseball Stadium To Break Ground On July 11th

In a release sent out this afternoon, the new home for Sun Devil baseball and Chicago Cubs spring training will begin construction on July 11th with a ground breaking ceremony.

Located at the intersection of Loop 101 and Loop 202 in Mesa, the $99-million stadium project will become an attractive East Valley baseball destination. Designed with a capacity of 15,000, the new facility will blend elements drawn from Wrigley Field as well as the state of Arizona into a unique fan experience. A large video board will be in left-center field, and modern amenities such a luxury boxes will be built.

With Packard Stadium beginning to show it's age since it's opening in 1974, the ASU baseball program had been exploring options in recent years for a facility upgrade. This project--approved by Mesa voters in 2010--will take the team off campus, but into an excellent facility, including a clubhouse and practice field exclusive to the Sun Devils.

The new facility should also help both teams increase their revenue streams, and the association with one of the most recognizable brands in all of baseball should be a great boost, said new ASU Athletic Director Steve Patterson.

"Arizona State has an innovative and unique opportunity to align with one of the world's most recognizable sports brands in the Chicago Cubs, while also increasing the university's reach by enhancing its presence in both the city of Mesa and Illinois. Our baseball program's rich past and loyal following provides the perfect complement to the Cubs' renowned history and loyal fan base."

Here are two not-yet-final renderings of the stadium:

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