Big changes coming to Chukchansi Park

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Big changes are coming to Chukchansi Park. A look down the left field line is all the evidence you need. What used to be a section with about 2,000 seats has been stripped down to concrete and dirt.

Grizzlies front office staff along with Fresno city leaders turned dirt Tuesday on the stadium's first major renovation since it opened in 2002.

Grizzlies President Derek Franks said, "The tastes of our fans are evolving and changing, and so this helps us modernize our ballpark."

The team is looking to make the stadium more family-friendly, and that starts by adding an expanded social area in left field. The changes mean less stadium seating but a more spacious area where fans can gather and enjoy the game.

When it opens, Franks says, "All fans are welcome. There is no special ticket required. At the top concourse area, the center will be a bar with a nice bar over the top of it with six big-screen TVs, full-service bar with lounge seating."

It is part of a $1.6 million renovation project helped funded by the City of Fresno.

Councilmember Paul Caprioglio said Fresno was, "Able to come up with a compromise on a contract that will benefit the ballpark, the City of Fresno and most importantly the Grizzlies fans."

Fans attending Grizzlies or Fresno FC games will be able to witness progress on the renovation first hand.

Crews will continue to work on the project through the summer.

Grizzlies fan Jamie Russell says, "I think that it will encourage others to come out to the park both for the Grizzlies and for soccer. In my opinion, if you're here for a soccer game, it might get you here to a Grizzlies game."

The left field social area is not the only change coming to the Downtown ballpark, families who fill the stadium could soon enjoy a kids zone in right field. Grizzlies owners are expected to make that announcement this offseason.