Cal Ripken Jr., center in black, talks with youngsters during the opening of Pigeon Forge complex
The $22.5 million Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge youth baseball complex in Sevier County opened Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by former baseball great Cal Ripken Jr. and local and state officials.
The facility features six lighted, synthetic turf fields — including one inspired by Chattanooga’s Engel Stadium -- as well as a two-level clubhouse with more than 14,000 square feet and a 2,749-square-foot concession/restroom building with an adjacent pavilion.
According to officials, each field borrows its design from current and former ballparks highlighting the professional player progression from the Minor to Major Leagues, including Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore, Maryland), Isotopes Stadium (Albuquerque, New Mexico), and Engel Stadium.
Mr. Ripken said during the ceremony that the facility — which will open March 12with the inaugural Cabin Fever Tournament — will offer a fun experience.
“We are thrilled to officially open the doors to The Ripken Experience complex, where thousands of young ballplayers will soon be running, playing and competing at all levels,” he said. “We look forward to growing with the Pigeon Forge community and our partners to provide teams and their families with the ultimate experience, both on and off the field.”
A big feature of the complex is that it can host tournaments, and families will have plenty of activities to do in the surrounding Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Sevierville communities as well.
Before reaching the major leagues with the Baltimore Orioles, where he set the major league record for playing in consecutive games, Mr. Ripken played for the Charlotte Orioles in 1979 and 1980. At the time, Charlotte was a member of the Southern League and played against the Lookouts, including at Engel Stadium. He recalled that time during the ground-breaking ceremonies for the facility in late 2014.