Project Timeline

July 2013 – Plans to repaint and repair the grandstand lead to the first thorough exam of the nearly 75-year-old ball park and determination of the Carmen and John Gottschalk Foundation that a complete restoration was needed.

December 2013 – The Gottschalk Foundation pledges an initial gift of $250,000 toward restoration with the provision that the community raise $100,000, to which Gottschalk pledged raise an additional $100,000 from other donors.

March 17, 2014 – Rushville meets fundraising deadline with $112,029 raised. The added $100,000 from outside donors was raised and the Gottschalk Foundation boosted their initial $250,000 gift to $350,000, bringing the total contributions to ball park restoration to more than $560,000. Demolition begins on the ball park grandstand.

April 2014 – Nemaha Sports Construction begins on infield improvements

May 2014 – The infield is taken to grade and the pitcher’s mound is rebuilt. Sod should be delivered and installed by the end of the month.

Pouring of the footings began for the dugouts and the grandstand, and then the restrooms. Work began on the underground plumbing and irrigation and the old lighting and posts were removed.

June 2014 – Work begins on the grandstand by the first week of June, including the electrical, plumbing, and framing of stairs. The new concessions area will be the first section completed in the grandstand; by the end of June, the grandstand will have taken shape.

July 2014 – Publication deadline for the commemorative book and donor listing. John and Carmen Gottschalk agreed to fund all remaining costs.
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August 31, 2014 – Formal dedication of the facility.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact the
Carmen and John Gottschalk Foundation
402/884-0773
dgrimm@3cedars.org

Modisett Ball Park Restoration Features

  1. A new grandstand with ADA access and a seating capacity of 450. Bleacher extensions raise capacity to 1,000.
  2. New below-grade dugouts will replace the originals on both sides of the field.
  3. New bullpens will be added to each side of the field.
  4. A new concession area and storage area under the grandstand.
  5. New men’s and women’s restrooms.
  6. A new batting cage
  7. A completely rebuilt infield for proper drainage
  8. A new underground sprinkler system
  9. A new announcer’s press box restored to the roof of the grandstand
  10. A new scoreboard

With additional support, new state-of-the-art lighting and other fan amenities will be secured.