Construction of a new combined baseball and softball complex in the Amsterdam metropolitan region has been approved by the local municipality.
The combined baseball-softball venue will be located in the west part of the 1000-Hectar “Park 21” and will feature a 21st century layout design that contains two baseball fields, two softball fields, a multipurpose field and a youth field. All competition fields will conform to professional/international standards and have been given a March 1, 2014 completion date.
“This innovative concept is a testimony, not only to the growth of softball and baseball in key European markets, but also a fitting example of how easily our sports can co-exist, which is a key element in our value proposition to the Olympic Movement” said Don Porter, President of the International Softball Federation and co-president of the newly founded World Baseball Softball Confederation.
Support to incorporate the baseball-softball venue within Park 21 was significantly boosted after the Netherlands captured the Baseball World Cup in 2011, which prompted their climb as high 5th in the IBAF World Baseball Rankings.
“We are proud of our friends from The Netherlands for this outstanding facility which will provide a critical resource for the development of baseball and softball in their country and all of Europe. The Netherlands have become a true force in baseball worldwide, which also reflects the universality of our game. Universality and growth are fundamental to our case for adding value to the Olympic Programme in 2020 and beyond.” said Riccardo Fraccari, President of the International Baseball Federation and co-president of the newly founded World Baseball Softball Confederation.
In addition to hosting international events, the venue’s strategic location makes it very attractive as a regional training center to further strengthen the development of baseball and softball in the Netherlands and in Europe.
The main stadium will be expandable to 30,000 seats and will become the new home of the Hoofdoorp Pioniers of the Royal Netherlands Baseball and Softball Federation premiere baseball league.
