DAYTON, Ohio — A big boost from the state of Ohio may help the city of Dayton and the Dayton Dragons rebound from COVID-19 cash crunches.
The city won a $1 million grant in the state budget that passed 24 hours ago. News Center 7′s Mike Campbell explains that it’s part of the seed money city leaders and club ownership plans to use to keep luring fans to the downtown stadium.
COVID-19 put a big damper on plans to upgrade the ballpark. However, the $1 million award from the state now has plans to make things look even better back on track.
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Day Air Ballpark is 20 years old and still looks great, but the Dragons and the ballpark’s owners, the city of Dayton, want to keep it that way by making improvements. Their wish list totaled about $15 million.
Assistant City Manager, Joe Parlette, said, “The improvements do have to be made but we have to have conversations about prioritizing.”
Parlette said COVID-19 budget impacts makes upgrade plans more difficult. The Dragons and the city were looking at new concrete walkways and new seating, upgrades to lights and sound system and even HVAC improvements.
“And we all talked about phasing, taking a phased approach,” Parlette said.
Chris Bhai, GM at Brixx Ice Company, said, “We love that they keep working on the ballpark. It’s beautiful already so it can only get better,”
Brixx Ice Company is a restaurant and bar that is across the street from the ballpark. They love the spot they are in especially with the excitement of the games and the business fans bring in as well. Brixx wants to see the upgrades and especially the players on the field in 2021.
“We’re certainly hoping there are fans there. We’ve got a big patio. So we’re ready for them to come over,” Bhai said.
The city of Dayton said the $1 million state grant will help keep 10,000 people coming to the ballpark on 70 days a year. And, that will help the ballpark district realize it’s potential.
The giant scoreboard in centerfield was one of the improvements a few years ago. But, the Dragons and the city said they want to keep making improvements so that everyone who comes enjoys their trip every time.