JACKSONVILLE – Renovations have begun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville and are scheduled to be completed prior to Jacksonville Suns' first game, April 7.
The team's new owners and Jacksonville Baseball, LLC, are paying for the project, totaling more than $1.8 million.
Major additions to the Baseball Grounds include a group picnic area behind the Suns' bullpen and a Tiki Terrace near the foul pole in left field. The project also calls for renovations to all 12 private suites and the expansion of the Sundowner Lounge, overlooking the playing field.
“Fans will see a fresh look at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, as the renovations and facility improvements create a unique environment for affordable family fun,” Suns owner Ken Babby said. “We are extremely grateful that the city of Jacksonville, SMG and several local partners collaborated with us to begin to fulfill our vision for a ballpark that shines by its hospitality and extraordinary fan experience.”
TIKI TERRACE
The new Tiki Terrace replaces a circular mound of grass. The free-standing, open-air, thatched-roof structure will offer terraced seating with circular tables and chairs.
BULLPEN TERRACE
Behind the Suns' bullpen, on the third-base side, the Bullpen Terrace will include high-top swivel seating and drink rails for a group of 24 to 48 people. For $30 per person, groups with a minimum of 24 people may reserve the area for a game night picnic, which includes 90 minutes of all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, green salad, cole slaw, beans, cookies and fountain sodas. Each Bullpen Terrace group has exclusive seating in that area for the entire game.
SUNDOWNER LOUNGE
The only area on the suite level open to all fans, the Sundowner Lounge is being nearly doubled in size, giving fans a unique observation-deck view from behind home plate. Fans may still enjoy a full bar and seating that looks toward downtown Jacksonville and the St. John’s River.
SUITES
The 12 private suites are all being renovated. The climate-controlled suites are available for full-season, partial-season and single-game rental. A private Suite for a single game cost $600 and includes 20 tickets, four VIP parking passes and access to the suite level catering menu to order in advance of the game.
Additional renovations include upgraded food service equipment, reconstructed and refurbished portable concession stands and the addition of a digital menu board. The ballpark will also have new lighting and furniture in several areas.