There could be more Breese Stevens Field upgrades on the way, as Madison, WI officials are considering a plan for the upcoming USL League One venue.
Big Top Events is backing a USL League One–formerly USL Division III–club that will begin play with the circuit’s inaugural season in 2019. The yet-to-be-named team will play home matches at Breese Stevens Field, a city-owned facility that is operated by Big Top. While phases of upgrades aimed at fan and team amenities have already been approved for the venue, officials are considering another round of improvements that would bring a variety of changes to the facility.
As part of a potential third phase of upgrades, Breese Stevens Field would receive a new rooftop seating area, seasonal use hospitality space, LED signage, and more. More from The Capital Times:
The city has invested $1.2 million in a new restroom and concessions facility and $1.3 million to upgrade the public address system, seating, locker rooms, facility systems and field amenities in preparation for the arrival of a professional soccer team in the spring.
City Parks Superintendent Eric Knepp said in a statement the third phase of improvements are the next step in “continued work to ensure preservation and activation of historic Breese Stevens Field.” The facility was originally built in 1925 with additions constructed in 1934 and 1939…
The current request is to create a rooftop seating area on top of the new concession stand, add seasonal use hospitality space along the East Washington Avenue side, install digital LED signs along the field and add more seating on the covered grandstand. New standing spectator areas would include drink rails.
“These improvements are necessary to modernize the facility and make it more spectator friendly, as well as are key to ensuring a facility that meets the standards for professional soccer,” Knepp said in the statement.
Over the last several years, Breese Stevens Field has been used for multiple types of events, including concerts and amateur soccer. Big Top Events, which owns and operates multiple summer collegiate league baseball teams–including the Madison Mallards (Northwoods League)–has operated the venue since 2015.
Image courtesy Breese Stevens Field.