MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County has been featured in USA Today Sports Weekly. The baseball stadium in Granville, home to the WVU Mountaineers and the WV Black Bears, is the winner of the BaseballParks.com award for the 2015 Ballpark of the Year.
“Now we are showing we have the best ballpark in the country rated by a national news source. That just shows you all the hard work people have put into this project and how great this area is becoming, and growing and developing,” said Black Bears general manager Matt Drayer.
Finalists in the contest are reviewed on the best combination of site selection, exterior appearance, architectural design and fan amenities.
The nearly $22 million Monongalia County Ballpark was opened in April.
According to Joe Mock, Ballpark writer for USA Today Sports, the award always goes to the home of a pro team. The Monongalia County Ballpark also serves the Mountaineers with a Big 12 Conference stadium. It was the connection with the New York-Penn League and the Black Bears that landed Monongalia County BallPark in the running for Ballpark of the Year.
Fan turnout for the first-season team in north central turnout didn’t hurt the stadium chances at national attention.
“We sold almost 1,200 season tickets which is almost half of our seating occupancy. Our Friday, Saturday, Sunday games have all been sold out. We’re averaging over 2,300 fans per game,” Drayer shared.
At the Granville ballpark August 26, the Black Bears and county leaders will be presented with the BaseballParks.com award.
The article entitled “Gorgeous ballpark does double duty” featuring the stadium was published Aug. 12.