South Bend Mayor James Mueller, South Bend Cubs owner Andrew Berlin, and other city officials, alongside Indiana state legislators, marked the commencement of a significant $48 million renovation project at Four Winds Field during a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Sep. 10.
Andrew Berlin, owner of the South Bend Cubs, lauded the collaborative effort. “The support from Mayor Mueller, the Common Council, and legislators like Ryan Mishler, David Niezgodski, Maureen Bauer, and Governor Eric Holcomb has been crucial. These upgrades will set South Bend apart from other Minor League cities.”
The project includes the construction of a new natural grass playing field, replacing the 2014 turf installed under a previous agreement with the Chicago Cubs. Additional improvements will feature new seating, a second deck, a Kids Fun Zone, and a relocated Splash Pad.
State Senator Ryan Mishler and others played a key role in passing the Professional Sports and Convention Development Agreement (PSCDA), which facilitates the funding for these improvements. “This expansion will drive economic growth and attract more visitors,” Mishler noted.
The PSCDA legislation, exclusive to Indiana cities with professional sports teams, was signed in a ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse. The project also benefits from a partnership with the Housing Authority of South Bend, which has provided the former Monroe Circle site for construction staging.
The South Bend Cubs, a Minor League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, have previously garnered acclaim for their stadium and operations, including two Midwest League Championships in the past five years.
Click to check out more renderings of the expansion/improvements.
