Gilbert sports facility with replica ballparks to reopen as Cactus Yards
Oct 23, 2018, 4:44 AM | Updated: 9:00 pm
(Facebook Photo/Big League Dreams Gilbert)
(Facebook Photo/Big League Dreams Gilbert)
PHOENIX – An East Valley sports facility that features replicas of pro ballparks is reopening next year with a new name and some heavy-hitting partners.
Feb. 9 will be opening day for Cactus Yards, the venue formerly known as Big League Dreams, the town of Gilbert announced Monday.
“We have decided to take on management of that facility, so our Gilbert Parks and Recreation team will be overseeing that facility moving forward,” Jennifer Alvarez, Gilbert digital media and marketing officer, told KTAR News 92.3 FM.
The East Valley suburb is teaming up on the project with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Craft Culinary Concepts, which provides food services for Arizona Cardinals games at State Farm Stadium.
We are excited to announce that the sports facility at Elliot District Park will
reopen on February 9, 2019, with a new name – @CactusYards. 🎉⚾️⚽️Learn more about #CactusYards 👉 https://t.co/VQDJwFNCY0 pic.twitter.com/Jo7FjxAmRE
— Gilbert, Arizona (@GilbertYourTown) October 22, 2018
The Diamondbacks Foundation will work the Gilbert to enhance the Chase Field replica.
“They’re going to help us redesign the scoreboard there to show that Arizona home team pride,” Alvarez said.
Craft Culinary will run two restaurants that feature “sports grill” menus and bars with craft beers, wine and margaritas.
Cactus Yards is already booking tournaments for 2019 and will start league registration in December.
Big League Dreams opened at Elliot District Park near Power and Elliot roads in 2008 with eight baseball fields resembling major league ballparks, including Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park and Wrigley Field.
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The city closed it for repairs and safety improvements in July 2017.
It was operated by a company called Big League Dreams that has similar facilities in California, Texas and Nevada.
There’s been an ongoing dispute between the company and the town over who was responsible for the cost of repairs and upkeep.
Alvarez said she couldn’t comment on the litigation but said Big League Dreams no longer has anything to do with the Gilbert facility.
Details about a grand reopening ceremony will be released at a future date.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Bob McClay contributed to this report.
