Triple-A River Cats Plan New Multi-Use Venue Next to Ballpark

The PCL Triple-A Sacramento River Cats plan to develop a 1.5-acre plot next to Raley Field in West Sacramento into “a state-of-the-art outdoor event hot spot,” according to Jon Ortiz of the SACRAMENTO BEE. The team announced Monday its plan to privately finance a facility “flexible enough to host everything from concerts and theater productions to volleyball games and high school graduations.” The project, designed by S.F.-based Heller Manus Architects, should be completed by March '09. River Cats President, COO & GM and Raley Field President Alan Ledford did not comment on costs or naming rights. River Cats execs estimate that once the 3,500-seat project is complete, they will add "at least 60 dates to the 100 events already hosted there each year.” Ortiz noted the team continues “to evolve from a Triple A baseball franchise into a regional entertainment player” (SACRAMENTO BEE, 9/10). The venue will include a 40-by-60-foot stage and will not host events that coincide with River Cats games (River Cats).