Kenosha, WI – The Kenosha Kingfish have announced further renovations for Historic Simmons Field headlined by a new state-of-the-art scoreboard in addition to the artificial turf playing surface already installed.
The new Daktronics scoreboard will improve fan experience with a new LED board and a digital scoring system to blend a new look with a classic feel. The new board, located in right-centerfield, measures 25 feet high by 36 feet wide with a 5 feet high by 36 feet wide arched truss on top with the words “Historic Simmons Field” resting on top. The video display has an active area of 13 feet high by 24 feet wide with a traditional line score scoreboard measuring 9 feet high by 36 feet wide placed at the bottom of the board. The scoreboard will also include a pitch speed display.
In addition to the scoreboard, a brand new upgraded lighting system from Musco Lighting is being installed. The new lighting system features fewer poles, energy-saving LED bulbs, and special effects to create an unmatched fan experience. The eight-pole system will be installed behind the grandstand area and not inhibit fans’ sightlines of the field.
Lastly, an upgraded netting system will be installed behind home plate and extend down the baselines. The Kingfish are following MLB minor league field recommendations on fan safety netting. The new material will be equal in height to the backstop netting and cover a larger area in addition to being much easier to see through. The netting will be suspended by a cable system and eliminate all the posts from the old netting system which were located in front of the stands and conflicted with fans’ sightlines of the field.
“These improvements will have a meaningful effect on fan safety and overall enjoyment of Simmons Field”, said Kingfish Managing Partner Bill Fanning. “We are thankful to have partnered with the City of Kenosha to provide our fans with a safer environment, enhanced entertainment value and a more enjoyable experience. Whether it’s coming to a Kingfish game or any other event at Historic Simmons Field, we know people are going to enjoy it.”
The Kingfish are grateful for the City of Kenosha’s shared vision for what these upgrades will provide for the community.
“The investment into Historic Simmons Field will allow the Kingfish to showcase the community’s commitment to providing a high quality baseball team as well as family entertainment,” said City Administrator John Morrissey.
All renovations are scheduled to be completed before the Kingfish take the field on Opening Night at 6:35pm on Friday, May 31st against Waterloo.
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The Kenosha Kingfish are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, over 345 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, 2021 and 2023 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
