As the calendar turns to Spring (hopefully soon) and Summer (YES, please!), the familiar sights and sounds of baseball return across the country. The crack of a bat, the smell of popcorn and hot dogs, and the seventh-inning stretch all signal the arrival of a season that brings communities together. From hometown ballparks to iconic Major League stadiums, baseball remains woven into the fabric of American culture.
At Mid-States Concrete Industries and International Concrete Products, baseball season holds a special meaning for us. Our team has had the privilege of contributing to the construction of ballparks where memories are made.
From the Backyard to the Big City
Close to home in Beloit, Wisc., ABC Supply Stadium, home of the Beloit Sky Carp, stands as a modern example of how thoughtful design creates an unforgettable fan experience. Mid-States proudly manufactured and installed 224 precast stadium risers for all the seating in the ballpark. Precast was selected for its durability, design flexibility, and consistent quality, ensuring every fan who walks, stands, or sits in the stadium enjoys a safe and comfortable experience.
Completed in just 13 months, the stadium has quickly become more than a ballpark. Beyond Sky Carp games, the family-friendly venue hosts concerts, youth sports, and even movies in the park throughout the summer.
Just up the road in Milwaukee, American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers, showcases the incredible architectural possibilities of precast concrete. The stadium's striking exterior features 463 architectural precast panels, manufactured by International Concrete Products, totaling more than 152,000 square feet, incorporating 405,000 utility-sized bricks and acid-etched finishes. The design pays homage to baseball's historic ballparks while incorporating modern engineering innovations, including its signature retractable roof.
The project's long-lasting quality and craftsmanship were recognized when it received the 2024 PCI Longevity Award, celebrating structures that continue to perform and inspire decades after construction.
Ballparks Across the Nation
Our precast expertise has helped shape stadiums far beyond the Midwest. International Concrete Products has been blessed to work on these projects.
The home of the New York Mets, Citi Field, features 1,238 architectural precast pieces spanning 209,000 square feet. The project included intricate brick coursing patterns, radius panels, and dramatic arches within the stadium's rotunda, creating a timeless look inspired by classic ballparks, while delivering modern performance.
Additionally, Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, combines tradition with innovation. The project incorporated 828 precast pieces totaling nearly 208,000 square feet. Detailed brickwork, stepped soldier courses, and sweeping radius arches helped the design team achieve the classic aesthetic that fans associate with Cardinals baseball.
Building the Places Where Memories Are Made
Ballparks are more than sports venues, they're gathering places where communities celebrate victories, share traditions, and enjoy summer evenings together. Behind the scenes, precast concrete plays a vital role in making these experiences possible. Its strength, precision, and versatility allow designers to achieve both the classic charm and modern performance that today's stadiums demand.
As fans once again rise for the seventh-inning stretch, we're reminded of the simple joy captured in that timeless song:
"Take me out to the ballgame,
Take me out with the crowd..."
We're proud to help build the places where those moments happen, ballparks that will host cheers, celebrations, and community for generations to come.
PLAY BALL!