The Twins and Lee County, Fla. officials will break ground this afternoon on a $48.5M renovation of Hammond Stadium, the team’s Spring Training facility in Ft. Myers. The two-year project will expand the ballpark’s capacity from 8,000 to 9,300 seats, develop a new 360-degree boardwalk around the park, upgrade concessions, restrooms and premium seating, and create a new team store. The boardwalk itself will feature 1,236 new outfield seats, some with drink rails. There is currently no public access to the park’s outfield spaces. Renovations to the minor league clubhouse and administrative offices, as well as a new Gulf Coast League playing field are also part of the improvements. The total project is expected to be completed in time for '15 Spring Training. Populous is designing the renovation and the joint venture of Manhattan Construction, Chris-Tel Construction and Casey Construction is building it. Hammond Stadium, also home to the Florida State League’s Ft. Myers Miracle, opened in '91. The Twins last November signed a 30-year lease extension to remain at the Lee County Sports Complex.
