The $25 million Big League Dreams Sports Park will have its grand opening today, with Colorado Rockies first baseman Jason Giambi, his brother Jeremy and fellow former major leaguers Wally Joyner, Troy Percival and Darrell Thomas set to be present.
(Flickr: Tulane Public Relations)
The 35-acre park in Perris Valley features four major league-size diamonds built to the same specifications as those at Dodger Stadium, Angel Stadium, Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium, according to the county Economic Development Agency.
It also includes two additional fields, a softball diamond, an indoor fieldhouse, batting cages, two covered soccer fields, two playgrounds and two special event fields, agency Public Information Officer Tom Freeman said.
A restaurant and snack bar are also located on the site.
Riverside County Supervisors Marion Ashley and Jeff Stone, as well as members of the Perris City Council, are also expected to attend the dedication ceremonies, which Ashley actively sought to provide greater recreational opportunities for the area’s youth.
The facility at 2155 Trumble Road, near Mapes Road, was completed late last year after 17 months of construction and years of planning.
Chino Hills-based Big League Dreams USA and the county signed an agreement in January 2008 for development of the venue.
The county provided funding for the project while Big League Dreams agreed to operate the sports park upon completion.
Construction was funded using county redevelopment revenue, gleaned from the tax increment generated by higher property tax receipts that stem from community improvements.
According to the partnership agreement, the county will receive 5 percent of the park’s annual gross receipts.
Freeman said 50 full-time jobs and 25 part-time positions were created to run the facility.
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