Root, root, root for the home team – from a seat with your name on it!

Generations of Chippewa Vallians have warm memories of days spent in the historic Carson Park baseball stadium – a stadium that legends like Hank Aaron have put their names on (figuratively, at least). Now, baseball fans will literally be able to put their own names on the stadium and help fund its renovation at the same time.

The Carson Park Baseball Stadium Renovation Committee and the City of Eau Claire have just announced the “Fill the Seats” $50,000 Matching Gift Challenge to fund much-needed upgrades to the stadium.

A donation of $500 (or more!) will secure a donor’s ability to personalize a seat at the Carson Park ball field. According to a press release, “The seats can be personalized with your name, name of a loved one, or name of your current or future slugger. This is a chance to be a part of Carson Park’s team of donors as we build on a great tradition.”

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, $50,000 worth of donations will be matched. And all these private funds raised will go toward the $1.5 million the City of Eau Claire has pledged for the project. Among other things, the project will replace current aluminum bleachers with a permanent structure that will include concession areas, apparel-sales space, and climate-controlled restrooms. In addition, renovations will help Carson Park better conform with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

“Carson Park is our crown jewel in the City of Eau Claire, and the historic stadium has been the home to great baseball since 1937,” said Jeff Pippenger, the city’s community services director. “It has brought numerous good memories to many who have had the privilege to have played on its hallowed grounds. This public/private partnership to rebuild the bleachers, dugouts, and providing a better fan experience will be enjoyed by future generations of baseball fans in Eau Claire for years to come.”

To make a donation or to learn more about the Carson Park Baseball Renovation Fund, which is held at the Eau Claire Community Foundation, visit www.eccfwi.org.