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Construction

July 2025: Start of Matson Field Construction in Moorhead

2024-11-26

The City of Moorhead, Minnesota, is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the announcement of the start date for the construction of Matson Field. This much-anticipated project holds great promise for the local community and baseball enthusiasts alike. The new elevated grandstand, press box, and backstop netting are set to begin construction on July 1, 2025, with a scheduled completion date in Spring 2026. It is a joint venture between the City and Moorhead American Legion Post 21, with a budget of $2,000,000. The Convention and Visitors Bureau has played a crucial role by awarding a $500,000 grant, which will enable the American Legion Post to attract more Minnesota baseball tournaments and collaborate with other cities on larger events. The Moorhead Legion has also made a significant contribution of $250,000 to the project. Community members have the opportunity to support this endeavor by sponsoring a seat for $1,000, with the option to pay in full or spread the payment over five years.

Significance of Matson Field Construction

The construction of Matson Field is not just about building a new facility; it is about enhancing the baseball experience in Moorhead. The elevated grandstand will provide spectators with an improved vantage point, allowing them to enjoy the games with greater clarity and excitement. The press box will ensure that media coverage is top-notch, reaching a wider audience and promoting the local baseball scene. The backstop netting will enhance safety during games, protecting players and spectators alike. This project is a testament to the city's commitment to sports and community development.

Collaboration and Funding

The collaboration between the City, Moorhead American Legion Post 21, the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Alex Stern Foundation, local businesses, and the American Rescue Plan Act and Capital Improvements funds has made this $1.16 million project a reality. The combined efforts of these organizations have paved the way for the construction of a state-of-the-art baseball field that will serve as a hub for local and regional baseball activities. The grant from the Convention and Visitors Bureau has been a significant boost, allowing the American Legion Post to take on a more prominent role in organizing baseball tournaments and events. Local businesses have also shown their support by contributing to the project, demonstrating their belief in the importance of sports in the community.

Community Involvement

Community members have the opportunity to be part of this exciting project by sponsoring a seat. This not only allows them to have a personal connection to the field but also helps to fund its construction. By spreading the payment over five years, more people can contribute and be involved in the development of Matson Field. It is a great way for the community to come together and show their support for local sports.The City of Moorhead is excited about the future of Matson Field and the positive impact it will have on the community. With the completion of the construction in Spring 2026, baseball fans can look forward to enjoying high-quality games in a modern and improved facility. The collaboration and support from various organizations and community members have made this project possible, and it is a testament to the spirit of Moorhead.Copyright 2024 KVLY. All rights reserved.

The yearslong construction of a new subway system in Thessaloniki, Greece, has been a remarkable journey. Since 2003, when the construction of the Agias Sofias metro station began, excavations have led to the discovery of thousands of ancient artifacts. These artifacts, ranging from Roman-era roads and water/drainage systems to Greek burial sites and mosaics, are being incorporated into the design of the 13 underground stations along the 9.6-kilometer line.

Blending Ancient and Modern

Christos Staikouras, the transport and infrastructure minister, emphasized the significance of this project, stating that it offers a remarkable blend of the ancient and modern. By integrating archaeological heritage with metro infrastructure, Thessaloniki is setting a unique example. 1: The discovery of these ancient treasures has not only added to the cultural value of the subway system but has also caused several delays. Over 300,000 archaeological finds have been made, and many of them are now showcased at various stations along the main line. This has required careful preservation and careful planning to ensure that the ancient artifacts are protected while the subway system is being constructed. 2: The cost of the project has also increased due to the discovery of these ancient treasures. However, the value of these artifacts cannot be underestimated. They provide a window into the past and offer a unique experience for passengers as they travel through the subway system.

The Opening of the Agias Sofias Metro Station

The Agias Sofias metro station is set to open to passengers on November 30, 2024. This will be a significant milestone in the history of Thessaloniki's subway system. The station will feature driverless trains and platform screen doors, adding to the modernity of the system. 1: The opening of the Agias Sofias metro station will not only provide a convenient mode of transportation for residents and tourists but will also allow them to appreciate the ancient artifacts up close. The integration of the ancient and modern will be on full display at this station. 2: As the first line of the subway system opens, the second line is also on its way. This will further enhance the transportation network in Thessaloniki and provide more opportunities for people to explore the city and its rich history.

Greece's Archaeological Heritage

Greece is home to some of the world's most important archaeological sites and museums. The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is widely regarded as one of the most important, while Thessaloniki also has its own archaeological sites, such as the Archaeological Museum of Thessalonki and the Polycentric Museum of Aigai. 1: These archaeological sites and museums offer a wealth of knowledge about Greece's past. The discovery of ancient artifacts in Thessaloniki's new subway system adds to this already rich heritage and allows people to connect with the past in a new way. 2: The White Tower, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, and the Agios Dimitrios Church are among the other historical destinations in Thessaloniki. These sites, along with the subway system, form a tapestry of Greece's history and culture.

The Route 40 bus corridor improvement project is making significant progress in Ballard. Currently, work is actively taking place on NW Market St and Leary Ave NW. This extensive project by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is part of the Route 40 Transit Plus Multimodal Corridor Project and is set to bring numerous benefits.

Key Benefits and Updates

NW Market St between Ballard Ave NW and 22nd Ave NW

The north side of NW Market St has seen the completion of concrete and sidewalk work. On the east side of 22nd Ave NW and NW Market St, sidewalk improvements have also been carried out. Crews are now planning to continue with sidewalk work followed by sidewalk/curb restoration on the west side of 22nd Ave NW. This meticulous work is enhancing the infrastructure and safety of this area.

Leary Ave NW between 20th Ave NW and NW Market St

Near the Olympic Athletic Club, the construction of new large concrete sidewalk extensions is progressing and is expected to continue through November. Pavement milling has been completed, and sidewalk and roadway paving is scheduled for early December. Due to these activities, there will be partial street closures on 20th Ave NW between Leary Ave NW and Ballard Ave NW for the rest of the month. Additionally, a new median island at the midblock crosswalk of 20th Ave NW and Leary Ave NW has been constructed, and another one is expected to be completed by mid-December. It is crucial for pedestrians and drivers to be cautious and pay attention to their surroundings when passing through this intersection.

Leary Ave NW between NW Dock Pl and NW Ione Pl

Crews are on track to finish sidewalk work by early to mid-December on this stretch of Leary Ave NW. Community members will notice larger bus bulbs in both directions. Median islands are also being installed at these bus bulb locations. New bus stop foundations and partial sidewalks have been installed, further improving the transit facilities. Neighbors can expect temporary lane reductions, parking restrictions, sidewalk detours, and temporary driveway impacts in specific areas throughout the Fall. Construction typically occurs on weekdays and selected weekends from 7 AM – 4 PM.

Holman Rd NW (between 3rd Avenue NW and NW 103rd St)

Work on Holman Rd NW has not yet begun. However, once it starts, there will be temporary lane restrictions, and travelers can expect delays. Pedestrians will be detoured to the northwest side of Holman Road NW. SDOT will keep the community updated on the start of construction.

North Aurora

The bus zone improvements on Aurora Ave N and N 105th St/N Northgate Way are expected to be completed by this Fall, bringing much-needed enhancements to this area.

Westlake Ave N

Crews are gearing up to begin prepping for construction on Westlake Ave N near Halladay St. Community members can anticipate seeing construction crews starting as early as mid-December. They will be surveying, trenching, and installing conduit for the new pedestrian crossing. Due to inclement weather, this work was postponed. During construction, there will be parking restrictions, lane reductions, detours, noise, dust, and debris. Halladay St will be closed during construction hours. Construction typically takes place on weekdays and selected weekends from 7 AM – 4 PM.The Route 40 transit project commenced in June 2024, and SDOT aims to finish it by 2026. This comprehensive project is transforming the bus corridor and enhancing the commuting experience for residents and visitors alike. (SDOT photo shows crew members performing trenching work with an excavator in Ballard.)