WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) –Wausau’s Athletic Park isn’t the only Northwoods League venue scheduled to get a facelift in the next few years.
The new owners of the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are planning to add more premium seating options to historic Witter Field in the next few years as part of their plans to extend their lease with the city, according to General Manager Andy Francis.
For now, the upgrades focus on areas behind home plate and the Craft River area in the outfield. Francis says in the last decade those areas are two that consistently sell out.
“We are planning on adding to the home plate club area,” said Francis. “There has been a waiting list for some time to get into that area, so part of it is to [allow] those fans the unique experience at Witter Field.”
The home plate club area was added eight years ago and currently seats 44 fans on eleven tables. The proposal calls for the addition of four tables (16 seats).
In addition to the premium seating, Francis says the renovations will add padding to the backstop to improve player safety for everyone who plays at Witter including high school and legion players.
The Point Craft River area would also be expanded to include a raised deck that would add about 40 seats. Francis says since that area was introduced roughly five years ago, it’s been sold out for nearly every weekend game.
Both upgrades are being made to improve the group outing experience and should be ready in time for the 2020 season. Francis says the group experience is an important part of the team’s plan to bringing fans into the ballpark.
“The business, group, or organization experience is a huge strength for us right now,” he said.
The Rafters recently transferred their ownership from Big Top Sports to local owners Joe and Vince Fonti, who also own Furniture and Appliance Mart. Francis, who just signed a two-year extension as the team’s GM, says his conversations with the Fonti brothers have been positive.
“Their big message is continuity. We want to make sure everyone understands that the experience that the fans have had for the last ten years at Witter Field is going to be that same experience for years to come.”
Francis added that the team is looking at other improvements in the next few years, but wouldn’t disclose what those are. Only saying “some are more realistic than others.”
The city and the club are working to secure that future with a lease extension, which was scheduled to be discussed in closed session Tuesday night as part of the city’s Finance and Property Committee meeting.
