[StBernard] Fireworks show and tournament mark the grand opening at Val Riess II

[Westley Annis]

Fireworks show and tournament mark the grand opening at Val Riess II 

$4.6 million second phase includes four more fields and three-story
concession facility 

 

The Val Riess II Grand Opening Tournament was held November 13-14 with an
evening fireworks show as part of the festivities. The second phase of the
Val Riess Recreational Complex includes four more fields and three-story
concession facility with climate controlled bistro on third floor for eating
and viewing the games.

 

Now that all eight baseball fields in Phase I and Phase II are completed,
St. Bernard Parish President Craig P. Taffaro, Jr. said the entire 33-acre
facility in the heart of Chalmette should be an economic engine that will,
among other activities, be able to expand its offerings to host local
recreational and All-Star games, and baseball and softball tournaments,
regional tournaments, World Series and adult cabbage ball and softball
leagues. Of the four fields in Val Riess II, two are designed to host high
school and college games. This phase cost about $4.6 million and was built
by T-Mac Construction.

 

The first phase opened last August and included the first four baseball
fields and a two-story concession stand building. The entire complex will
see about $20 million in construction before it is completed. In addition to
four baseball fields in each of the first two phases, both have concession
stands with a second story scoring facilities overlooking all the fields and
covered seating and shelter pavilions with fans for visitors. 

 

For the grand opening tournament, players from across the metropolitan area
participated on fall league teams in tournament style play. That included
13- to 15-year-old baseball teams with players from all over the New Orleans
metro area and north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. These boys play in a 60/90
league that was formed by Voodoo Baseball Coach Richie Muhleisen and Grant
Schulz, which normally plays weekends in Belle Chasse. 

 

The two-day tournament also included the following 11-year-old and under
teams from around the metropolitan area: the Louisiana Lynx, the Patriots,
the Pontchartrain Blue Claws, Toro Baseball and the St. Bernard
Diamondbacks. Louisiana Lynx won first place in the two-day tournament, and
the St. Bernard Diamondbacks took second place. The 10-minute firework show
was done by Artisan Pyrotechnics, Inc.

 

The construction and development of the Val Riess Baseball Complex at the
northern end of Palmisano Boulevard in Chalmette - financed by a combination
of FEMA and Community Development Block Grant funds - is being done in
several phases. In addition to the eight baseball fields and two large
concession stands, it also will include a 40,000-plus square foot massive
multi-purpose building that is under construction. The 40,000-plus square
foot multi-purpose building will host events, such as basketball
tournaments, professional boxing and auto/boat shows. The facility will also
be available to host trade shows, conventions and Mardi Gras balls. 

 

For more information about the Recovery and Growth of St. Bernard Parish,
please visit our website at www.sbpg.net.

 

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