The BSC Hünstetten STORM is continuing its expansion of the club’s own baseball facility. Thanks to generous funding from the LEADER program, the board was able to take the next step in the development of Dickman Field: a new, shadeable grandstand was created, which will significantly increase comfort for spectators.
The current spectator area of the baseball field, which was newly built in 2019, was previously neither paved nor covered, which often led to problems during games. There was a lack of protection from sun and rain, especially on double match days in one day, with a total duration of up to six hours. “The new roof will make our spectators’ stay much more pleasant,” says Sebastian Willsch, chairman of the BSC Hünstetten STORM.
With the men’s team’s promotion to the 1st Baseball Bundesliga, the club has gained a national presence. This brings increased viewership and media attention. In order to meet the league’s requirements, 300 seats must be available – a challenge whose first step the club is now mastering with the new grandstand facility. “So far, a roofing was not possible for budgetary reasons, but we are all the more pleased to have reached the first phase of this milestone with this project,” emphasizes Willsch.
So far, the club has improvised with mobile solutions – benches, chairs and pavilions. The latter were lost due to storms and theft and only offered short-term protection. The new stands will not only provide better protection, but will also increase the attractiveness of attending a game, especially for families.
“With our sporting success, we are helping to increase the attractiveness and awareness of the region,” adds Bernd Schlösser. “An appealing atmosphere is also very important for new viewers who have no connection to baseball yet.”
