(9.3) Originally scheduled for the Fourth of July weekend, this event was postponed due to rain. Two weeks later it was once again postponed due to rain. What a summer. But this weekend looks like a winner with perfect fireworks weather. This event is free to attend but food will cost you, as will certain on-field activities. More info at The Sun Chronicle:
The fireworks are scheduled to go off at 9:20pm, but free activities will start at 3pm with live music, family-friendly activities and games on the field — such as face painting, a bouncy house and crafts — and food trucks in the parking lot.
. . . Sunday’s show is being called “McCoy’s Final Inning,” since it will be the last fireworks display and public event at the 80-year-old stadium, which will be replaced by a new high school.
According to McCoy’s Final Inning 3,000 fans will be allowed on the field. Wristbands can be obtained on a first-come first-served basis.
The seating is not in the stadium/stands, it is on the field. Attendees will need to provide their own blankets or lawn chairs.
Free fireworks, 9:20pm, Sunday, September 3, McCoy Stadium, 1 Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket, (directions)
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How have things worked out for Polar Park in Worcester? For one thing, the project cost nearly $160 million, significantly more that the original $86-$90 million projections. Back in 2018, when Rhode Island refused to backstop the required funding, PawSox ownership shifted its full attention on the city of Worcester who had clearly bought into Larry Lucchino’s standard promise for taxpayer-funded stadiums:
The project is premised on the concept that the development will be self-supporting,” Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus said. “In essence, the project pays for itself.
That has not happened. See “Polar Park project could leave Worcester with $40-$60 million deficit, study says” at MassLive.
. . . a new study out last week from economists at College of the Holy Cross and Kennesaw State University in Georgia revealed the project may create a deficit of $40-$60 million for the city.
It’s just like John Oliver told us in 2015, experts studying years of data from across the country have proven that these projects are winners for the owners and losers for taxpayers.