Wichita is starting the design process for a new baseball stadium that will replace Lawrence-Dumont in Delano.
Now that the state has approved Wichita’s use of Sales Tax Revenue, or STAR, bonds to make improvements along the west bank of the Arkansas River, the city is working on a request for design proposals for a brand new baseball stadium.
Mayor Jeff Longwell says the stadium will also be the permanent home of the National Baseball Congress, which Hap Dumont brought to Wichita in the 1930s.
“Not sure exactly where it will be, but it’ll be a brick and mortar home," Longwell says.
Another step will be to attract a baseball team with a major league affiliation, a requirement of the STAR bond district.
“So we’re out looking for affiliated baseball, we know there are teams looking for a new place to play," he says.
The Amarillo Globe-News reported Wednesday that the San Antonio Missions are moving to Amarillo, which recently built its own multi-million dollar stadium. Wichita was in talks to bring the franchise here, but Longwell says "there are teams available. We'll figure out which one best fits Wichita and go from there."
Wichita has not had a Minor League Baseball team since the Wranglers left for Arkansas after the 2007 season. Longwell says it's possible the Wingnuts, an independent team, could grow into an affiliated team.
The 2017 National Baseball Congress World Series starts on July 22. All games will be played at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.
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