The Hartford Yard Goats have already missed an entire season in Hartford due to an incomplete ballpark. City officials say they won't miss another minute of game time.
On Tuesday the Hartford Stadium Authority is scheduled to meet with Arch Insurance and Whiting-Turner Construction to receive a timeline for the completion of the Dunkin Donuts Park.
Nearly two years after breaking ground for the stadium, pallets of material still sit inside and signs warn those passing by that construction is still taking place. But city officials say in a few short months the team will finally have somewhere to play ball.
“Hold on. The stadium is almost complete where the city now can enjoy a completed baseball stadium,” said Hartford City Council President TJ Clarke.
NBC Connecticut obtained the summary schedule that will be presented at Tuesday’s meeting. It shows the final completion date at May 17. But the date to pay attention to is the one regarding the temporary certificate of occupancy which allows the stadium to be used while under minor construction. That date is April 19, six days after the Hartford Yard Goats’ scheduled opening day.
Mayor Luke Bronin emphasized that the summary reveals a date range – and that both Arch and Whiting-Turner assure the city that temporary occupancy will be granted before the – meaning the stadium will be ready for baseball this season.
“There's some cleanup work that may continue after, but the stadium is going to be in a position for baseball to be played,” Bronin said.
NBC Connecticut was unable to reach the Yard Goats for comment Monday night. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at City Hall at 3 p.m.
Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com