Scotland Yard aims to add seating, dining to fan area

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Thanks to the hard work of The Woodlands High School baseball coach Ron Eastman and the Highlander Home Run Club (HHRC) membership from years past, our community is blessed with one of the best high school baseball venues in the state. In fact, Scotland Yard was recognized as the best high school field in the country in 2006. This has come about by continuous improvements to the field and facilities over the years. The one area not receiving much focus in recent years is the fan area. Coach Eastman identified this as an opportunity in the fall, and the process has been started to make improvements which will directly impact the enjoyment of the game for the fans in the stands. With the unveiling of these plans we ask for your support to make them a reality this season.

The vision communicated to the board was to use the area currently fenced off between the visitor dugout and left field stands to create a space that can be utilized as an extension to the concession area, where all fans – home and visitor - can sit down and eat a meal during the game. This area is currently not utilized, and adding this seating will take the fan experience at Scotland Yard to a new level. The process was started by bringing in three local landscape / hardscape companies, explained our vision, and they used their creativity to come up with a design that fits the look and feel of Scotland Yard. After several weeks each company had them come back out and share their designs and bids. During this process one company stood out as the clear leader in several ways. Josh Milne, owner of "Absolutely Outdoors" showed a level of commitment to the plan from day one, pledging to invest his profits. When the designs and bids came back there was no question his was the best design – and the best value. The artist rendering is below.

In order to make this a reality for the 2014 season we need help from the community to generate the funding. Since this cost is over and above normal operating expenses, and the outfield sign space is sold out, funds will need to be generated incrementally . The solution is to utilize unused space on the back side of the bleachers for advertising. In this area we have space for seven advertisers, one of which is sold, and one will go to "Absolutely Outdoors." There are only five remaining spots. The goal is for each class (2014, 2015, 2016) to sell 2 signs each in the next three weeks. The cost is $5,000 per sign and will ensure Scotland yard presence for four years. If we can accomplish this we can get the work completed this year. If not the project will have to wait until next year. The signs measure approximately 4’ X 8’ and as detailed in the graphic below will face the concession stand and be exposed to all fans as they enter the Scotland Yard gates – a highly visible area.

Everyone is busy during this time, but in reality we have a unique opportunity to capture sponsorships. Some companies need a tax write off before December 31, and other companies are about to start the year with a fresh budget. For sponsorship opportunities contact Dan Gooch.