Play ball!
Stadium to be built in Camden
Archived article from Jan 21, 2000
By Michael Sepanic
For many years, Rutgers-Camden has been New Jersey's only four-year higher- education institution without its own playing fields. That will change in 2001, when the baseball, softball, and men's and women's soccer teams will play their first games on new fields in Camden.
On Dec. 15, Gov. Christine Todd Whitman announced that Rutgers will become the owner of a new minor-league baseball stadium to be built on the Camden waterfront.
Located two blocks from the campus, the stadium will seat approximately 6,000 fans and will be used by an Atlantic League of Professional Baseball franchise and the Rutgers-Camden baseball team. Rutgers will own the facility, while the occupying minor-league team will maintain the field and structure.
The governor also announced a $2 million grant to complete construction of the Rutgers-Camden Community Park. This 5.5-acre facility will feature a soccer field, tennis courts and a softball field for the intercollegiate and intramural programs.
A joint venture with the city of Camden, the park will include a children's playground and Little League field. Rutgers will maintain and operate the park, while a committee of city and Rutgers representatives will schedule the facility and set its usage policies.
Currently, Camden's soccer, baseball and softball teams play their home games on fields in Cinnaminson through an agreement with the Burlington County township.
"This is an exciting opportunity for Rutgers: Our students will play ball in a professional facility; our community will enjoy a tremendous addition to the neighborhood; and the region will have a new venue for sports and entertainment," said Provost Roger J. Dennis.
"With the completion of the Rutgers-Camden Community Park, we will bring our Scarlet Raptors home to roost where they belong -- on our campus. Moreover, we will provide our neighbors with playing fields for community teams and a green park for relaxation with family and friends," he said.
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