Stout Astrodome upgrades nearly complete

STOUT – With the start of this year’s League season right around the corner, members of the Stout Ballpark Task Force are ready to show off the product of all their hard work - a revival project at the old Stout Astrodome that’s years in the making.
After several years of fundraising and months of construction, facility upgrades at the ball diamond - including the addition of ADA-compliant restrooms and a new concession stand - are nearly complete.
Though there is still some work to be done on both the exterior and interior of the concession stand and restroom facilities, the task force plans to open the facilities for the first ball game during the weekend of Stout Freedom Fest on July 7.
Nolan Junker, a member of the Stout Ballpark Task Force, says people are finally getting excited about the project as it nears completion.
“A lot of people, not even people part of the league, are getting excited about it,” Junker said. “There’s a lot of people who thought this would never happen. It’s pretty exciting to see it almost finished.”
Junker said that as word has gotten out about the upgrades, they’ve already seen an increase in teams and spectators. Last summer, the league jumped from four teams to six teams. So far this season, there are six teams signed up - including two brand new teams. There are also two teams that are “maybes.”
But it’s not too late to sign up for a team, Junker says. Anyone from any surrounding cities can join; if an individual wants to join, they can be placed on a team as well. Anyone interested should message the Stout Astrodome Facebook page to sign up before June 25th.
In preparation for the beginning of league season and the unveiling of the new facilities at the Astrodome, Junker and the rest of the Stout Ballpark committee would like to invite anyone interested in joining them that day to see the new facilities, and enjoy some fun at the ballpark.
During that time, there will be a flurry of other activities in Stout, including a Bill Riley Talent Competition, activities at the park and fireworks after dark. In addition, a special treated will be served at the new concession stands in Stout: the famous Stout Stuffer banana split.
Anyone interested in joining the league, or finding out more about the Stout Astrodome, can find out more through the Stout Astrodome Facebook page. Currently the teams play softball each Tuesday through league season, but Junker and the rest of the Ballpark committee are hoping to add Thursdays to the schedule if there’s enough interest. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/StoutAstrodome/