SHELBY — American Legion World Series officials have their eyes on facility upgrades, but they span more ground than just Keeter Stadium.
The Star reported in January plans for a project to revamp the entrance of the stadium in time for the 2013 tournament in August.
But, as officials discussed this week, there are also plans for increased parking on the campus of Shelby High School, altering the student parking lot, new lighting for sports fields and parking and a new football field house.
American Legion World Series Executive Committee co-chairman Eddie Holbrook said the upgrades not only benefit SHS, but also create a more impressive sight for those visiting for the baseball tournament.
Time frames for these projects are dependent on school approval and it “is a very complicated process,” Holbrook said.
Tearing down the existing Shelby High football field house and building a larger, two-story facility would be done after football season.
How is it paid for?
A large percentage of the $2.5 million project was paid for through a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor.
Holbrook said the donor wishes to remain anonymous, but spoke to rumors that the gift came from Cleveland Regional Medical Center.
“It’s not the hospital,” he said Tuesday.
Plaza of Champions
Patrick McMurry, of Holland & Hamrick Architects in Shelby, said the revamped entrance — known as the Plaza of Champions — will include a 60-foot image of a baseball on the ground, with a turnaround for quick drop offs and flagpoles honoring the eight teams who won their regional tournament to earn a trip to Shelby.
Merchandise sales will be available outside and inside the gate. The Plaza of Champions, organizers say, will decrease the “bottlenecked feel” while entering the stadium. The plaza is scheduled to be completed in time for this year’s event, while additional paved parking may come later.
New home office
Local World Series officials will also soon have a new home office, moving into property beside the Cleveland County Chamber in uptown Shelby.
“I’m really excited about it,” Holbrook said.
Furniture and office equipment are being acquired through donations, he said.
Reach Graham Cawthon at 704-669-3334, gcawthon@shelbystar.com or on Twitter at @GrahamCawthon.