News Flash

Feb. 22, 2017 - Plans for renovations to War Memorial Stadium got a boost Wednesday, as City Council got a look at the first stage, which will feature new ADA-compliant restrooms, a second concessions area, an enclosed training/batting area, and an upper deck.

The city's War Memorial Stadium Authority, along with Peninsula Pilots owner Henry Morgan and Q Design architect Ron Quinn, presented the plan for a new building along the third base line, revamped fencing and new gate entrance. An improved fence will also be a partial step toward improving drainage from that side of the field, council was told, although more drainage work will be part of subsequent renovations.

The improvements are slated to be operational by baseball season 2018.

The new building was modeled after similar facilities used by college teams in other areas. Adding a second set of restrooms and concessions will allow the stadium to immediately provide additional spaces but also allow for the existing facilities to be renovated at a later date. The new gate entrance would feature a Walk of Fame and history timeline.

In addition to the Peninsula Pilots, a team in the Coastal Plain League summer league for college players, the city-owned stadium is the home field for Newport News Shipbuilding's Apprentice School and hosts tournaments, special events and a kickball league.

City Council had already appropriated money to start renovations and has agreed to provide some funding over a period of time, based on an earlier consultant's report.