The Chicago Cubs are stepping up their game ahead of the next MLB season by making significant upgrades to their Mesa-based spring training facility, Sloan Park. According to new plans submitted by the city of Mesa, the franchise aims to construct a 22,000-square-foot state-of-the-art pitching lab along with expanding the existing clubhouse. The details of these enhancements were outlined in documents filed with Mesa's planning department, highlighting the organization's commitment to developing its pitching talent and upgrading player amenities.
While specific design elements and construction timelines are still under wraps, the proposed pitching lab will feature four pitching areas, a sprint track, and a hi-tech video room meant to analyze and improve player performance. In a nod to inclusivity and modern requirements, the clubhouse upgrades will include locker rooms, showers, and lounges for umpires, as well as facilities specifically designed for female staff. This information comes on the heels of the Chicago Cubs' continued success as a main draw during the Cactus League, with an average attendance this past year of fans per game, as reported by the Business Journal.
The push to amplify the Cubs' spring training setup comes as no surprise given Sloan Park's popularity among baseball enthusiasts. The park is already the most visited site during MLB's Cactus League spring training season, according to ABC15. Mesa, which owns the ballpark, seems to be supporting the Cubs in their efforts to stay ahead of the competition. The facility, sprawled over 140 acres, was built at a cost of $99 million and opened in 2014.
Alongside the highly anticipated pitching lab, the clubhouse expansion will add a 4,650-square-foot addition to accommodate a multipurpose room and an office, as per the Business Journal. According to a rendering released by the Chicago Cubs, the corridor between the new addition and the existing clubhouse will also be enclosed, creating a seamless transition space for players and staff. The Cubs are collaborating with Populous, a top-tier global architectural firm known for its expertise in sports facilities, for this ambitious project. Fans and players alike are keen to see how these upgrades will translate into performance improvements when the Chicago Cubs take to the diamond next spring.
