Daniela Berson
WMAL.com
The Potomac Nationals are staying put for a few more years.
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to fund a $230,000 project to renovate the visitors’ locker rooms at G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium, home of the Potomac Nationals.
If the improvements are made, Prince William County will keep the Washington Nationals’ minor league affiliate until at least 2018.
Coles District Supervisor Martin E. Nohe said that the team was a source of pride and revenue for the county.
“I can’t imagine a post P-Nats world myself, but I don’t want to have to imagine it,” Nohe said at the board meeting. “I love having a minor league team in Prince William County.”
The repairs to the building include a major expansion to the visitors’ locker room and improved structural supports.
Teams visiting the “P-Nats” can expect a manager’s office, a new training room and remodeled bathrooms when construction is complete.
Fixing the stadium’s bleachers and lights are also on the agenda, though outside of the proposed $230,000 budget.
Minor League Baseball petitioned the Potomac Nationals to either improve the stadium or move somewhere else.
If the team were to move, Parks and Recreation Director Debra Andrew said that the stadium would have plenty of local benefits.
“We’d put community use in it,” Andrew said. “This would be a great venue to host the state baseball tournament for the high schools.”
G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium was built in 1984. The stadium includes the minor league park and three softball fields, already being used by the community.
Copyright 2015 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (Photo: Washington Nationals)
