St. Paul officials are hoping the new Lowertown ballpark adds to a vibrant mix of attractions downtown. On Wednesday, officials announced that a couple of companies will provide a blend of energy sources for the project.
District Energy St. Paul will supply both chilled and hot water to cool and heat areas of the ballpark. Xcel Energy will furnish electricity for power and lights. It will also provide the natural gas used for cooking those hot dogs, brats and burgers.
"It was important for us to bring together Xcel and District Energy to be part of the new ballpark," Mike Hahm, who heads St. Paul Parks and Recreation, said in a statement. "We want this to be a place to showcase innovative amenities and partnerships that help make the ballpark an important project for Lowertown and the City of Saint Paul."
Both companies have been involved in the design and planning of the ballpark.
Ken Smith, president and CEO of District Energy, said: "We are particularly excited to incorporate customized, emerging technologies that will help the ballpark minimize both construction and operating costs."
Xcel Energy Regional Vice President Laura McCarten said: "Our Energy Design Assistance Program will maximize energy efficiency throughout the ballpark, and our $550,000 investment in a solar energy array is a renewable energy home run.Of course, the ballpark also will benefit as a customer of the nation's number one wind energy provider and from our diverse energy supply, which is more than 50% carbon-free."
Officials say the new ballpark, home to the St. Paul Saints, is expected to attract 400,000 people a year to downtown St. Paul and have a yearly economic impact in the millions of dollars. The project is expected to create 500 full- and part-time jobs and will become a center for statewide youth and amateur sporting events. To learn more, please visit www.lowertownballpark.com.
