The New York Mets plan to start a $55 million renovation of First Data Field after spring training in 2018 and finish most of the work in time for spring training in 2019, team representatives said Monday night.

The Port St. Lucie City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve the renovation plan, which includes constructing a concourse that would wrap around the field and provide fans with views of the bullpen beyond the center-field wall.

The 360-degree outdoor concourse is a popular feature that is being incorporated into many baseball stadiums, said Paul Taglieri, St. Lucie Mets general manager.

Other improvements include the addition of 38,767 square feet to the stadium and clubhouse and the development of new softball fields, city records show. No additional seating is proposed.

The stadium is home to the High-A minor league affiliate St. Lucie Mets and the spring training home of the New York Mets.

The project is being financed with St. Lucie County bed tax revenue and state economic development money.

"We love our Mets, whether they're from New York or Port St. Lucie," Mayor Greg Oravec told the team's representatives. "You're such a big part of this community. It's great to see a good thing can be even better."

 

Source:tcpalm.com

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