It’s only ten weeks until the start of the Baseball European Championship in Germany, 23 July to 01 August. The three host locations Stuttgart, Heidenheim and Neuenburg prepare themselves for the biggest continental event of the summer. The expansion of the respective stadiums is progressing well, the local organizers are right on schedule. The Ball Parks in Stuttgart, Heidenheim and Neuenburg are currently under reconstruction, preparing for the tasks ahead.
One key point of construction has already been completed: The lights in the stadium in Stuttgart and the Ballpark in Heidenheim were upgraded in accordance with international standards. While in Heidenheim the public authorities were responsible for the construction, Stuttgart assigned the prestigious “Beling” company from Wiesbaden, which for example has been responsible for the “enlightment” of the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt.
Baseball at night with the lights has its own special charm. Both ball parks now provide the necessary light intensity evening games at the European Championships (start of the game in Stuttgart 19:00 clock, 18:00 clock in Heidenheim) need under normal conditions. In Neuenburg no night games are scheduled. The German team of U.S. national coach Greg Frady will play its first European Championship group game on the evening of 23rd July at 19:00 clock against Ukraine.
However, at present still more major construction projects take place on the playing fields. The infield-sand areas, pitcher mounds and warning tracks are being redone. For the competition of the twelve best baseball nations of the continent the dirt areas will be completely renewed.
Even then of course there is still a lot of work, as the Baseball Championship will also take place off the fields. Among other things, the footpaths around the stadiums have to be brought in an attractive condition, and, at least at the main site in Stuttgart, an area has to be created to cater a few thousand baseball fans. Shortly before the start of the Championship the stand builders will start their work to expand the seating capacity of the stadiums with temporary stands. At the end Stuttgart will have over 4.000 seats, Heidenheim approx. 3.000 seats and in the smallest stadium in Neuenburg even 1.000 visitors will find a place. The organizers hope that the EURO 2010 will fill their stadiums similar to the preliminary round of the Baseball World Cup in Regensburg last year.
by www.baseballeurope.com