News

The City of Richmond will transfer ownership of historic Don McBride Stadium and John Cate Field (201 NW 13th St) and the surrounding area which includes three ball fields, to Richmond Community Schools (RCS). McBride Stadium, a baseball stadium that seats nearly 1,800 spectators, has been a cornerstone of the Richmond community since its construction in 1936. The move to transfer ownership to RCS marks a new chapter in the stadium's storied history.

Richmond Community Schools has committed to investing $500,000 into the stadium and fields over the first few years of ownership. This investment guarantees the preservation of this historic site and ensures it remains available for public use. The City of Richmond will receive $12,000 for the property and hold the right of first refusal should Richmond Community Schools seek to sell the property in the future.

"I am thrilled this partnership between the City of Richmond and RCS will result in such a large investment for this historic site and allow its use for years to come," said Mayor Dave Snow. "Our community deserves access to this beautiful stadium and for this stadium to be at its best. I am confident RCS will continue to provide top quality care and maintenance to this storied landmark while inviting us to enjoy America's pastime in its hallowed walls."

"Our Parks Team has done a tremendous job caring for this stadium and are commended for all that they have done to get us to where we are today,” said Denise Retz, Park Superintendent. “There have been countless Park Team members, volunteers, and users who have placed their heart into this facility and field and they do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. The value of this stadium is priceless and the Parks Team feels blessed to have been able to serve the users and the community in this area for the past several years."

The City of Richmond looks forward to witnessing the positive changes and improvements that Richmond Community Schools will bring to McBride Stadium. This transition will enhance the beloved stadium and continue to inspire future generations of baseball lovers in our community. The City will continue working together with Richmond Community Schools on this and other endeavors

"RCS is committed to preserving and enhancing the legacy of McBride Stadium," said Karen Scalf, Chief Operations Officer of Richmond Community Schools. "McBride Stadium will create more opportunities for our students. With the stadium, we will broaden our athletics program. This is part of our ongoing mission to enrich the educational experience of our students”

Some of the investments that RCS is planning to make to McBride Stadium include securing the facility with new fencing, roofing the grandstand, repairing concrete walls, and field maintenance. They are also considering installing a new public address system and scoreboards for the field. Several teams presently use McBride Stadium. RCS will maintain their collaboration with external organizations and will make McBride Stadium available for rental, much like they do with their other facilities.

McBride Stadium is an important example of the investments that Richmond Community Schools are making to improve the educational experience for their students. By renovating and modernizing this facility, RCS shows its commitment to providing its students with the best possible opportunities for learning, wellness, and athletics. With these renovations and improvements, McBride Stadium will continue to be a source of pride for Richmond.

About McBride Stadium

‍Built in 1936, McBride Stadium is a baseball stadium located at the corner of NW 13th Street and Peacock Road in Richmond, Indiana. The stadium was built on a former gravel pit and was built to replace Exhibition Park on the city's east side which was destroyed by a fire in 1935. The field was originally named Municipal Stadium, being later named after Don McBride, a long-time superintendent of the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department.

McBride Stadium has hosted four minor-league baseball teams: the Richmond Roses (1946-48), the Richmond Robins (1949), the Richmond Tigers (1950-52), and the Richmond Roosters (1995-2005). In addition, the stadium has been home to Richmond High School, Seton Catholic High School, and Earlham College baseball teams as well as the Collegiate League's Richmond RiverRats and Richmond Jazz. The stadium features a small covered grandstand, a seating capacity of nearly 1,800, and a natural grass playing field. 

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