May 19, 2017 - Freezing rain, freeze-thaw cycles and major rainfalls over the fall and winter season have caused delays to the completion of field improvements at Port Arthur Stadium in preparation for the XXVIII World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup 2017 from Sept. 1 - 10, 2017.

The delay will affect the Thunder Bay Border Cats home games that are scheduled to be played at the stadium for the start of the season. Games played in Thunder Bay up to approximately mid-June will now be played away in other Northwoods League locations. For more information on Thunder Bay Border Cats Games and to purchase tickets, visit: http://northwoodsleague.com/thunder-bay-border-cats/

Establishment of sod laid in the fall as well as laying of additional sod this spring have been delayed by harsh winter conditions and unfavourable spring weather, including the recent ice storm. 

"We are fully dedicated to completing these significant improvements to the Port Arthur Stadium Field," said Tom Forsythe, Supervisor - Golf & Cemetery Operations. "Our staff is working closely with the contractor and also accessing expertise provided by the Border Cats and Northwoods League to have the field ready to play as quickly as possible. This will be a long-term legacy of the Tournament for the community."

The field improvements will result in two world class baseball facilities plus a practice field between the Port Arthur Stadium and Baseball Central. Both facilities will be used for the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup which is being hosted by the Thunder Bay International Baseball Association (TBIBA).
"Organizers of the WBSC U18 Baseball World Cup concur with the City of Thunder Bay officials on their assessment of field conditions," said Warren Philp, Executive Director - Thunder Bay International Baseball Association. "Unfortunately, this will impact the Border Cats' home schedule. Although this is regrettable, the considerable improvements to the site will benefit the Border Cats and this community for many years to come."

Twelve National teams from the United States, Cuba, Canada, Mexico, Nicaragua, Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei, Italy, Netherlands South Africa and Australia will take part. Thunder Bay will see 50 games played between Port Arthur Stadium and Baseball Central from September 1-10. The U-18 Baseball World Cup is supported by the Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), City of Thunder Bay and various community partners. For more information, visit: www.thunderbay2017.com/home

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Contact:          Tom Forsythe - Supervisor Golf & Cemetery Operations, 627-5709