Elysian Fields Undergoes Minor Renovation

By Melissa Chavez, Laredo Midday Times

Elysian Fields, the iconic ballpark in downtown Laredo that is home to the San Antonio Calzones de Laredo, has been getting a minor face lift this off season. The Calzones announced plans for the renovation in December, and work has begun to renovate the left field seating area.

According to the plans, a mezzanine level seating area will be added to the upper deck, stretching from the end of the luxury suits just beyond the left field corner all the way across to the end of the upper deck in deep left center field field. The new mezzanine level will contain 6 rows of premium priced seats.

According to Calzones spokesperson Gilberto Hinojosa, the addition will not obstruct any view of the playing field for patrons in the lower level of the left field seats. However, some seats in the left field upper deck might now have a slightly obstructed view of the left field corner of the playing field.

The additional seating will increase the seating capacity of Elysian Fields to 43,000 from it’s previous capacity of 40,000. ‘

Hinojosa gave reporters a guided tour of the work area, and pointed out no less than sixteen times that the once dreadful Calzones have drawn over 3 million fans each of the last two seasons. He also suggested that the stadium could see additional renovations after the 2019 season, contingent on the team not completely ruining it’s finances as it has been known to do repeatedly over the years.

When pressed for details of a possible future expansion of the stadium, Hinojosa pointed towards the upper deck behind home plate and suggested the team might be considering roof top boxes.

“We’re looking at multiple options,” Hinojosa suggested. “About the only option we are not considering is anything that would block fans view of the muddy Rio Grande and the slums of Nuevo Laredo.”

The Calzones say that the renovation is progressing well and will be completed at least two weeks prior to the opening of the 2019 PEBA season.