MADISON – The idea for minor-league baseball in Madison will advance another step on June 9.

The City of Madison and BallCorps have scheduled the official groundbreaking for the new minor-league baseball stadium and multi-use venue in Town Madison on June 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. The stadium site’s location is off Zeirdt Road.

Event activities will start at 5 p.m. The official groundbreaking ceremony will open at 5:30 p.m.

City officials and baseball management invited residents to join the festivities. The community celebration will signify the beginning of construction for the state-of-the-art facility slated to open late 2019 in time for the 2020 baseball season, according to a release from Madison Mayor Paul Finley.

“Minor-league baseball belongs back in North Alabama, and we are thrilled to be a part of its return to the region,” Ralph Nelson said. Nelson is BallCorps Managing Partner and CEO. “We are excited to reveal more details about the team, its total integration into the community and to celebrate the start of construction.”

“Breaking ground on this project is momentous, and we appreciate the work that has led us to this point,” Finley said. “Celebrating with our community while enjoying free ballpark food like hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy is a fantastic way to rally together to start the process.”

Guests can look forward to announcements, such as a “Name the Team” contest opening on June 10, free food and amusements. Officials will announce the team in fall 2018 at another community event.

All attendees will leave with a commemorative baseball to remember the inception of the ballpark and multi-use venue. At the closing of the event, officials will randomly select a contest participant to receive four complimentary box seats for Opening Day 2020.

Previously, Finley has stated that Ballcorps will employ a full-time staff of 20 to 25 people to manage their operations.

“The new multi-use facility will be built for families and groups. High-top tables, picnic areas, berm seating, a kid’s playground, company event night areas and premium seating are just some of the types of seating that will be available throughout the year in addition to your normal baseball-chair backs,” Finley said.

For more information, visit www.madisonal.gov or ballcorps.com.