February 25th marked the return of baseball to Charlotte County, Florida with the opening of the Ray’s Spring Training facility in Port Charlotte. Charlotte Sports Park packed in over 6,000 fans for the Rays vs. Reds contest ending with a Rays 7-0 victory.

Hunt Construction Group, in a joint venture with Mathews/Taylor and architect HOK Sport, began site work on the $24.4 million Design-Build facility renovation in October 2007. In mixing new construction with a substantial renovation of the existing structure, the construction team helped take a forgotten ballpark out of the shadows and back into the Florida sunlight.

Newly constructed portions of the project include a 44,000-square-foot two-story clubhouse, restroom/concession buildings, updated ticketing building and the major attraction - the outfield ‘tiki bar.’

Other work included the renovation of the three story press / suite tower increasing space to over 11,000 square feet. Additional improvements include new restrooms and concession areas, all seats and bleachers replaced with individual fixed stadium seats, new 19,000-square-foot boardwalk outfield and reconstructed playing field.

The five existing practice fields were also completely refurbished. Total seating capacity comes in at just under 7,000 when the outfield grass berm seating is included. Another welcome addition, more seats were added along the first and third-base lines helping to bring fans closer to the action.

The facility is green as well. Many elements have been incorporated into the design to help the facility be more sustainable. Located on the 2nd floor of the clubhouse, a 1,600-square-foot planted green-roof area helps keep the area cool and absorbs water runoff. Other elements include all irrigation water being fed from drainage ponds located on-site and native Florida planting throughout to prevent the need for artificial watering of landscaping.

Prior to the Ray’s opening game, the last game played at the facility took place on March 27, 2002 and marked the end of the Rangers’ career at the ballpark. Hunt Construction Group is proud to have played a part in bringing baseball back to Charlotte Sports Park and the residents of Charlotte County.