Terry Camp, ABC12, October 17, 2006

MIDLAND (WJRT) – (10/17/06)–The weather is having an effect on construction at Mid Michigan’s newest baseball stadium, but the work continues as opening day draws closer.
Aerial photos of the Dow Diamond with the newly installed playing field were taken during much better weather last week. Tuesday the rain kept falling, preventing work like pouring concrete from getting done.
“We’ve only got about a quarter of our crew here today,” said Stadium Project Manager Fred Eddy.
Despite the slowdown, plenty of progress was revealed during the latest media tour of the $28 million facility. The foundation for the $1 million scoreboard is now in place, the playing field is installed and even the grass where fans will be able to sit on is now growing.
The warning track material is also being put down. It is made from crushed brick from Dow Chemical’s 47 Building, which was knocked down to make way for the stadium project.
Dow Chemical and Dow Corning are also donating some of their products to help build the ballpark.
“Dow Corning is supplying the caulking that we use to seal all the seams in the stadium. Dow Chemical is supplying Styrofoam insulation for underneath our slabs and our side walls,” Eddy said.
While the weather has caused some problems, another problem may be a sign that the economy is picking up. At times, it has been difficult to find skilled crews to do certain jobs.
“It’s basically manpower — craftsmen and women to build this project. They are a scarce commodity today,” Eddy noted.
Despite a few setbacks, the entire project is on schedule and Eddy has these encouraging words with just six months to go before opening day.
“April 13, we’re going to be done. We’re going to be playing ball here.”
On Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Dow Diamond will be open to the public for the first time as season ticket buyers have been invited for a tour.

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