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Cheney Stadium: Tacoma's Enduring Sports Landmark

A comprehensive exploration of the historic ballpark, its storied past, and its role in the Pacific Northwest's sporting culture.

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Stadium Overview

Location and Purpose

Cheney Stadium is a versatile, multi-purpose venue situated in Tacoma, Washington, United States. It is predominantly recognized as the home ground for the Tacoma Rainiers, a professional baseball team competing in the Pacific Coast League. Its strategic location adjacent to Henry Foss High School facilitates shared community resources, including parking.

Baseball Heritage

Since its inauguration in 1960, Cheney Stadium has been a continuous host for Pacific Coast League (PCL) baseball. This long-standing association underscores its significance in the history of minor league baseball, providing a consistent home for various iterations of affiliated teams, most notably the current Tacoma Rainiers.

Versatile Sports Venue

Beyond baseball, Cheney Stadium has demonstrated considerable adaptability by hosting professional soccer. It served as the home venue for the Tacoma Defiance (USL Championship) from 2018 to 2022 and for OL Reign (National Women's Soccer League) from 2019 to 2021, highlighting its capacity to support diverse athletic events and contribute to the region's soccer landscape.

Key Features

Dimensions and Capacity

Cheney Stadium offers a seating capacity of 6,500 spectators. The playing field is configured with specific dimensions designed for baseball, featuring:

  • Left Field: 325 feet (99 meters)
  • Center Field: 425 feet (130 meters)
  • Right Field: 325 feet (99 meters)

Playing Surface

The stadium utilizes a natural grass surface, providing a traditional and well-maintained playing environment essential for professional baseball and soccer. This choice reflects a commitment to authentic playing conditions.

Ownership and Operations

Cheney Stadium is owned by Pierce County, Washington, signifying its role as a public asset. It is operated by the Schlegel Sports Group, ensuring professional management and upkeep of the facility. The stadium also features 16 executive suites, enhancing the premium experience for patrons.

A Storied Past

Genesis and Construction

Named in honor of Ben Cheney, a local businessman instrumental in advocating for minor league baseball in Tacoma, the stadium's construction was remarkably swift, completed in just 42 working days. This rapid development was crucial to securing a commitment from the San Francisco Giants to relocate their Triple-A affiliate, ensuring the stadium's opening coincided with the 1960 season.

Architectural Legacy

The stadium incorporated elements from the historic Seals Stadium in San Francisco, including light towers and wooden grandstand seats. A notable portion of these original wooden seats remain in place, preserving a tangible link to the stadium's architectural heritage and its early days.

Notable Events and Players

Cheney Stadium has been a stage for significant baseball talent, with Hall of Fame inductees like Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry, alongside stars such as Reggie Jackson and Ken Griffey Jr., gracing its field. The venue also hosted the baseball competition for the 1990 Goodwill Games and the 30th annual Triple-A All-Star Game in 2017, further cementing its place in sports history.

Home to Champions

Baseball Affiliations

Cheney Stadium has maintained a continuous presence in the Pacific Coast League since 1960. It has served as the home for seven different PCL franchises, including the Tacoma Giants, Cubs, Twins, Yankees, Tugs, Tigers, and currently, the Tacoma Rainiers (affiliated with the Seattle Mariners since 1995).

Soccer Residency

The stadium's versatility is evident in its role as a home for professional soccer. It hosted the Tacoma Defiance (Seattle Sounders FC's reserve team) from 2018 to 2022 and OL Reign (a prominent NWSL club) from 2019 to 2021. This period highlighted Cheney Stadium's capacity to accommodate the demands of top-tier soccer leagues.

Development and Upgrades

Initial Investment

The original construction of Cheney Stadium in 1960 incurred a cost of $940,000. Adjusted for inflation, this represents approximately $9.99 million in 2024 dollars, a significant investment for a minor league baseball facility at the time.

Major Renovations

Cheney Stadium has undergone several significant renovations to modernize its facilities and ensure its continued viability. Key updates occurred in 1992, 1998, 1999, and notably in 2011. The 2011 renovation project, valued between $29 million and $30 million, introduced substantial improvements.

The extensive 2011 renovation, designed by Populous, included:

  • A new grandstand superstructure, roof, and concourse.
  • Upgraded concession stands and restrooms.
  • The addition of 16 luxury suites and a new restaurant.
  • Basic structural repairs and enhancements.

These upgrades were supported by a lease renewal with the Tacoma Rainiers, ensuring their continued presence at the stadium until at least 2041.

Soccer's Footprint

Hosting Professional Soccer

Cheney Stadium played a crucial role in the development of professional soccer in the Tacoma area. It served as the home venue for the Tacoma Defiance, the reserve team of Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders FC, from 2018 through 2021. Concurrently, it hosted OL Reign, a prominent club in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), from 2019 to 2021.

Transition and Future Plans

During the period of soccer tenancy, both OL Reign and the Tacoma Defiance had plans to develop their own soccer-specific stadium. However, changes in Major League Baseball's regulations regarding the use of baseball fields led both teams to relocate. OL Reign moved to Lumen Field in Seattle, while the Tacoma Defiance returned to Starfire Sports Complex. The stadium also hosted a notable U.S. Open Cup match in 2019, drawing a significant crowd.

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References

References

  1.  of the National Women's Soccer League
A full list of references for this article are available at the Cheney Stadium Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official venue information. The details provided on this website, including capacity, dimensions, and historical data, are derived from publicly accessible sources and should not be considered definitive. For the most current and official information regarding Cheney Stadium, please consult the venue's official website or management.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.