Play expected to start in 2021; Riverfront Stadium noted as among the best ball parks in all of Minor League Baseball
The City of Wichita today announced that the Wichita Wind Surge have received an invitation to become a Minnesota Twins affiliate in Major League Baseball’s new player development structure. The invitation is for the Wind Surge to become the Twins’ AA affiliate, with a plan to begin play in 2021 at Wichita’s Riverfront Stadium.
“We are thrilled that affiliated baseball is ever-closer to coming back to Wichita,” said Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple. “We have a fantastic year-round facility that will be enjoyed by baseball and sports fans, businesses and tourists and will play host for many community events.”
Wichita City Manager Robert Layton added, “Wichita’s renaissance is continuing with the opening of Riverfront Stadium and the Wind Surge’s invitation to become an affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The stadium is expected to be a catalyst for more than 300,000 square feet of new development over the next ten years. In fact, over $70 million in private and federal investment has already been realized in advance of the stadium’s opening.”
Scot Rigby, assistant city manager for the City of Wichita said, “We built this stadium for the fans – not just of baseball but also of the wide variety of community events this stadium will host. The fan experience this stadium offers will be among the best in all of minor league baseball. With amenities including comfortable seats, wide concourses, a range of seating and ticket pricing and a variety of food and drink options, fans and families will have a first-class day at the park.”
“The sports industry along with the travel and tourism industry has been devastated by the pandemic,” President of Visit Wichita Susie Santo said. “The announcement today that baseball is close to being back in Wichita is significant as affiliated baseball, along with so many other events that will be hosted at the stadium throughout the year will bring visitors and dollars into our community and help jump-start the recovery.”
