Hangar (Lancaster, California)
| The Hangar | |
 |
|
| Former names | Lancaster Municipal Stadium (1996–2004) Clear Channel Stadium (2005–2012) |
|---|---|
| Location | 45116 Valley Central Way Lancaster, CA 93536 |
| Coordinates | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. |
| Owner | City of Lancaster |
| Operator | Clutch Play Baseball LLC. |
| Capacity | 4,600 permanent stadium seats |
| Field size | Left Field - 350 ft (110 m) Left-Center Power Alley - 385 ft (117 m) Center Field - 410 ft (120 m) Right-Center Power Alley - 385 ft (117 m) Right Field - 350 ft (110 m) Backstop - 50 ft (15 m) |
| Surface | 85,000 square feet (7,900 m2) of high-grade sports turf |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | September 6, 1995[1] |
| Opened | April 16, 1996 |
| Construction cost | $14.5 million ($21.9 million in 2024 dollars[2]) |
| Architect | Populous |
| General contractor | Pinner Construction Company[3] |
| Tenants | |
| Lancaster JetHawks (CL) (1996–present) | |
The Hangar, formerly known as Lancaster Municipal Stadium and Clear Channel Stadium, is a stadium in Lancaster, California. It is built just off California State Route 14. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the Lancaster JetHawks minor league baseball team of the California League. It was built in 1996 and was known as the Lancaster Municipal Stadium. In 2005, Clear Channel Communications entered into a 10-year, $770,000 naming rights deal with the JetHawks and the City of Lancaster. The City of Lancaster and the JetHawks will divide the revenue from the deal equally. The deal runs through the 2014 season. However, the signage stating Clear Channel Stadium was removed during the 2012 season and the stadium is now known as The Hangar, its nickname since the stadium opened in 1996.
Contents
Features
Because of the area's aerospace legacy, the stadium has a NASA F/A-18 Hornet mounted on display at the front entrance. It is one of the premier facilities in minor league baseball. The $14.5 million facility offers luxury skyboxes, a video message board, and an old-fashioned manual scoreboard.[4] The stadium's seating capacity is listed at 6,860, but can accommodate over 7,000 fans and features slightly over 4,600 permanent full chair stadium seats. Two expansive grass berm general admission areas are available when all seats are sold out.[4]
The stadium is also used to accommodate special events such as local high school graduations and charity softball games. Before the Lancaster JetHawks start each new season in April, they play an exhibition game against the local Antelope Valley College Marauders baseball team. However, for the past several seasons, the JetHawks have been playing their exhibition games against the local University of Antelope Valley Pioneers baseball team.
Green Energy Project of Lancaster
On December 19, 2010, Ballpark Digest reported that the Lancaster JetHawks are expected to save some green—to the tune of $48K—this coming season after the installation of solar panels on a ballpark carport will supply 98% of Clear Channel Stadium's electricity needs on a typical game night. The installation is part of a city-wide emphasis on solar energy from civic structures. At the ballpark, 1,500 solar panels will be installed on a 700-foot (210 m)-long carport beside the ballpark, well outside of foul-ball range. The electricity generated by the 340-kilowatt panel system will supply 98% of the power needed to run the ballpark, including the ballpark lights, and should save the owners of the JetHawks some $48,000 per year in utility costs. “The entire Lancaster community has embraced the city’s mission to become the alternative energy capitol of the world, and as the first minor league team in California to go solar, we’re happy to do our part,” said JetHawks owner Peter Carfagna.[5]
Pilots Pavilion
On April 2, 2014, the Lancaster JetHawks introduced the largest addition to The Hangar since 2005: the Pilots Pavilion. The new tent structure on the third baseline just beyond the stands replaced the stadium's old barbecue tent. At 3,000 square feet and 25 feet tall, the Pilots Pavilion is nearly twice the size and nearly double the height of its predecessor. It is the largest structure of its kind in the California League.
The Pilots Pavilion will host barbecues and group outings at The Hangar and will be the home to numerous team events including postgame concerts, Craft Beer Night, and player appearances.
The Pilots Pavilion made its debut by hosting the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and their crew on L.A. County Air Show Night on March 21, 2014. It was named to recognize those dignified guests and pay homage to the JetHawks' longstanding close relationship with the aerospace industry and local military community.
Bip Top Manufacturing fabricated the massive structure. The company's structures are mainly used in military operations overseas, but also can be found at Edwards Air Force Base in the Antelope Valley. FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey also house Big Top structures.
The roof canvas material weighs over 1,500 pounds and is supported by six trusses made up of over 6,000 pounds of steel. Just' In Construction, Inc. led the construction efforts.[6]
Kinetic Brewery Suite and Hunter Dodge Party Deck
Before the 2015 season, the city of Lancaster and the staff of the Lancaster JetHawks announced new stadium upgrades at The Hangar less than three months after the JetHawks were purchased by new owners Jake Kerr, Jeff Mooney, and Andy Dunn. The suites were upgraded with hard wood floors and new furniture as most of them can house between 15 to 25 people. The Kinetic Brewery Suite has room for 50 people and features two 50-inch flat-panel televisions with a custom pool table. The Kinetic Brewery Suite will also have the look and feel of the namesake Lancaster Boulevard eatery, complete with brick walls. By the left field fence will stand a two-level party deck that will be able to hold 50 to 80 fans and is tailored to corporate parties. A radar gun was also installed at home plate along with a wireless link to the video board for display. The outfield walls will receive a new coat of paint as well as the seat signage indicating section numbers. A children's play area, complete with inflatable slide and bounce house, will be housed near right field. A new state-of-the-art sound system was also installed.
On February 2, 2015, the Lancaster JetHawks and Hunter Dodge introduced the brand new Hunter Dodge Party Deck at The Hangar. Located down the left field line adjacent to the visitor's bullpen, the spacious two-tiered party deck will be the premier outdoor hospitality area at the ballpark in 2015. The Hunter Dodge Party Deck, which also includes the Fiat Festa Deck, will be able to accommodate groups of 50-80 guests and will offer some of the best views and sight lines in the ballpark. The all-inclusive experience will include game tickets, patio-style seating, and a 90-minute all you can eat BBQ buffet. Groups will have the opportunity to choose from three different menu options that include snacks, entrees, sides, and desserts. Available options and upgrades for all food packages include vegetarian items and an exclusive cash bar offering soft drinks, beer, and wine. Hunter Dodge signage and branding are featured throughout the party deck area including a truck display at each game.
References
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