Wisconsin's Fox Valley could up being a center of new ballparks in the next several years, as the Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) could take a step closer to a new ballpark this week, while the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Low Class A; Midwest League) are reportedly looking at the pros and cons of a new facility.

It's no secret Jeffrey Royle, the owner of the Bullfrogs, has been looking at a privately financed ballpark to replace Joannes Stadium, a 1950s-era facility that's as big or good as it's ever going to get. The current plan is for a new ballpark in downtown Green Bay at the corner of Broadway and Mason, on the edge of the Fox River, on a 13-acre site already owned by the city. The Bullfrogs would build the ballpark and develop the site in conjunction with Smet Construction under a plan from Kansas City's Pendulum Studios. 

The first tangible step toward a 2012 ballpark could come tomorrow night, when the Green Bay Redevelopment Authority looks at giving Royle and the Bullfrogs a 12-month option to develop the site.

Meanwhile, we've heard the front office of the Timber Rattlers has quietly begun discussions of whether to pursue a replacement for Fox Cities Stadium, a rather basic facility opening in 1995 in suburban Grand Chute. The goal would to bring a ballpark back into Appleton. There's nothing wrong with Fox Cities Stadium, but it lacks some money-makers (i.e., suites) and its location isn't very scenic. There have been meetings with architects, but so far (we're told) everything is happening at the early-discussion phase.

RELATED STORIES: Royle: We've outgrown Joannes Stadium

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