After six months of negotiations, the Casper Ghosts, a minor league baseball team from Casper, Wyo., will relocate to Grand Junction next year. Not only will they take a new name as The Grand Junction Rockies, they will make Suplizio Field their new home.
The Monfort family-owned club will begin its season in Grand Junction in June 2012. Until then, the City is working to complete construction of Stocker Stadium and Lincoln Park to install office spaces, training rooms, locker facilities and batting cages in preparation for the team.
“My thoughts are that it’s a win-win for the community and the Rockies. We have tremendous baseball fans here, and I think they’re going to turn out and support the team,” Grand Junction City Manager Laurie Kadrich said.
The team will have a 15-year contract in Grand Junction, with the option for three extensions of five years each. Although there are only five full-time positions with the team currently, a need for part-time positions will be revealed during the season.
The team will begin with 42 home games: 38 games as part of the regular season, and up to four exhibition games. The relationship between the city and the annual Junior College World Series has not changed. The JUCO season will take place as usual, with the GJ Rockies season starting up soon after. Suplizio field will serve as the GJ Rockies’ home turf. The team committed to a schedule that will not pose conflict with Colorado Mesa University or District 51 events.
The total cost of construction is an estimated $600,000, for which Kadrich proposed that the city finance through the next two budget cycles. The team has donated $100,000 to the construction project.
The economic impact of the team isn’t limited to what the city will spend. Based on projections for a 1,500-person attendance per game, the City expects at least an $80,000 annual income. Many that travel to Grand Junction to see the games, will likely stay in hotels and shop at local businesses, which will add to the city’s economic growth.
“We certainly hope there will be something of a mentoring relationship between the GJ Rockies and CMU,” Kadrich said. “There will be scouts coming through, which is great national exposure.”
A professional sports team in a college town could create unique opportunities for students.
“The whole ambiance of having a team and that kind of activity will be great for the community and its growth,” Mayor Tom Kenyon said. “We look forward to a long relationship with the team.”
To purchase season tickets and secure a priority number, call 250-2057 or email timray@gjrockies.com.

cmfoster@mavs.coloradomesa.edu