Bears fans want to see stadium fixed, team stay in Yakima

YAKIMA, Wash. -- The threat of the Yakima Bears' relocation didn't dampen enthusiasm Wednesday night for the first home game of the season.

Officials estimated a near-capacity crowd of 2,500 people turned out for the game against the Spokane Indians, many lining up outside the gates about an hour before they opened.

While spirits were high, fans turned serious at the prospect of the team leaving for Vancouver after this season.

"I think it's horrible," said 78-year-old Norma Rowe, who's been coming to Bears games for as long as the team has been in Yakima. "I think we ought to somehow or other keep them here. We need a sports team here in town."

The Bears, now entering their 22nd season as Yakima's Class A minor league baseball team, have been in talks with Clark County since mid-May about a possible move to Vancouver.

The Bears say the desire to move is largely based on the need for a stadium that meets standards set by Minor League Baseball and the teams' major league affiliates. The Yakima County-owned stadium does not meet seating capacity requirements, while attendance, concession sales and revenue have declined, team officials say. The stadium's capacity is 2,654.

In addition, team officials have a problem with the concession stands, which are out of sight of the field.

Rowe agreed concessions are an issue.

"It is a nuisance to have to leave and stand in line for 10 minutes," the former Harrah teacher said. "I realize this stadium isn't that great, but I'm not sure that it's necessary we build a brand new stadium," rather than improve the existing one.

Judy Simmons, 51, said she's been coming to Bears games since her now grown sons were 6 years old. By not pushing harder to keep the team in town, Yakima is thinking backward and not working to bring people in, she said.

"There's no reason we can't be where the Tri-Cities is," Simmons said. "I think there's ways to fund (the stadium); not necessarily taxing people, but maybe a small tax on entertainment like they're talking about in Vancouver."

Clark County commissioners have discussed a 5 percent entertainment tax increase to raise the money for its share of construction of a new stadium.

A new multi-use stadium in Yakima could be used for sports and events other than baseball, Simmons said, adding that it would bring in revenue for hotels and restaurants as well.

"I think it'd be a huge loss to the city and county of Yakima," if the Bears left, she said. "They bring a lot to the community.

Bears fans want to see stadium fixed, team stay in Yakima | Yakima ...

YAKIMA, Wash. -- The threat of the Yakima Bears' relocation didn't dampen enthusiasm Wednesday night for the first home game of the season.

Officials estimated a near-capacity crowd of 2,500 people turned out for the game against the Spokane Indians, many lining up outside the gates about an hour before they opened.

While spirits were high, fans turned serious at the prospect of the team leaving for Vancouver after this season.

"I think it's horrible," said 78-year-old Norma Rowe, who's been coming to Bears games for as long as the team has been in Yakima. "I think we ought to somehow or other keep them here. We need a sports team here in town."

The Bears, now entering their 22nd season as Yakima's Class A minor league baseball team, have been in talks with Clark County since mid-May about a possible move to Vancouver.

The Bears say the desire to move is largely based on the need for a stadium that meets standards set by Minor League Baseball and the teams' major league affiliates. The Yakima County-owned stadium does not meet seating capacity requirements, while attendance, concession sales and revenue have declined, team officials say. The stadium's capacity is 2,654.

In addition, team officials have a problem with the concession stands, which are out of sight of the field.

Rowe agreed concessions are an issue.

"It is a nuisance to have to leave and stand in line for 10 minutes," the former Harrah teacher said. "I realize this stadium isn't that great, but I'm not sure that it's necessary we build a brand new stadium," rather than improve the existing one.

Judy Simmons, 51, said she's been coming to Bears games since her now grown sons were 6 years old. By not pushing harder to keep the team in town, Yakima is thinking backward and not working to bring people in, she said.

"There's no reason we can't be where the Tri-Cities is," Simmons said. "I think there's ways to fund (the stadium); not necessarily taxing people, but maybe a small tax on entertainment like they're talking about in Vancouver."

Clark County commissioners have discussed a 5 percent entertainment tax increase to raise the money for its share of construction of a new stadium.

A new multi-use stadium in Yakima could be used for sports and events other than baseball, Simmons said, adding that it would bring in revenue for hotels and restaurants as well.

"I think it'd be a huge loss to the city and county of Yakima," if the Bears left, she said. "They bring a lot to the community.

Yakima Valley Community College

Webster's two new college dictionary

Yakima, Washington

Vocational and Technical Schools West 2010-2011

What It Used to Be Like, A Portrait of My Marriage to Raymond Carver