Arlington Mayor Dr. Robert Cluck

March 31, 2007
It’s Baseball Time in Arlington!

The aroma of grilled hot dogs in the air. The crack of the bat. The roar of the crowd. It’s baseball time in Arlington!
Little League teams are practicing, competitive teams are forming and young boys and girls who never thought they would ever get the chance to play the game because of physical limitations, are playing at Miracle League Field. Baseball in Arlington has never been more exciting.

Every year, millions of fans make Arlington their destination for baseball adventure. The Rangers Ballpark in Arlington is one of the finest places in the world to see Major League Baseball. It has 122 suites, 44 on the lower level and 78 on the upper deck. The bullpen is raised five feet over the playing surface so fans can see who is warming up There’s also a baseball museum, a children’s learning center and picnic areas.

On March 19, the Texas Rangers proudly announced an agreement with the Ameriquest Mortgage Company to return the naming rights of the stadium to the team. As part of an overall branding and marketing campaign, community partners are working with us to help position Arlington as a premier city, and the entire Metroplex stands to benefit from this type of national and international exposure.

For the first time in the history of the Texas Ranger’s franchise, the team landed at the Arlington Municipal Airport on March 29 amidst a welcome home celebration. This moment in our history was made possible by federal funds that paved the way for a new air traffic control tower and other runway improvements at the airport. Our partnership with the Texas Rangers, along with our state and national legislators, continues to enhance our city’s competitive edge in the global marketplace.

Since The Ballpark opened its gates 12 years ago, it continues to generate millions of dollars in local sales tax revenue for our city. Remember 1995, when we were the site of the 1995 All-Star Game? Every hot dog, T-shirt and cold drink sold at The Rangers Ballpark in Arlington is an economic win for our city and helps us to fund efficient government programs and services.

This spring, go out to the Rangers Ballpark or catch a game at a neighborhood ball field, and experience what millions of people already know: America’s favorite past time is baseball. And, the best baseball is played right here in Arlington, Texas. I’ll see you at a ballgame!

Robert N. Cluck, M.D.
Mayor of Arlington