The backstory
In 2021, Major League Baseball adopted 120 minor league clubs, including the Round Rock Express, into its Professional Development League (PDL).
The MLB’s new management of the Round Rock Minor League included several new regulation standards for the ballpark.
“The biggest part of it really just comes down to square footage,” Brian Stillman, Round Rock Sports Facilities & Operations Manager, said.
The largest improvements include a new visitors clubhouse, female-specific locker rooms, coach offices and storage—totaling 8,500 additional square feet, according to construction permits.
The PDL licenses “create many improvements to the experience and lifestyle of minor league players,” according to a MLB press release.
Broad changes to the minor leagues include:
- Player salary increases
- Facility standards better suited for professional athletes
- Improved working conditions and amenities for players and staff
- Reduced in-season travel for the team
Looking ahead
Funding for the Dell Diamond expansion and improvements comes from the Hotel Occupancy Tax fund.
“It’s not coming out of our citizens' pockets, it’s coming out of the [pockets] of people who stay in hotels,” Mayor Craig Morgan said.
Though noted as not likely, the MLB could potentially hold the minor league team from the city if these new requirements are not met.
Renovations are expected to be complete by opening day 2025.
