Building a Dream : JetHawks Find a Home in Lancaster

When spring arrives this year, it will bring more than the annual orange blanket of California poppies to Lancaster. America’s favorite pastime, baseball, is coming.

The JetHawks, a Class-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, have decided to roost in this north Los Angeles County city. Formerly known as the Riverside Pilots, the California League team will play ball in a $14.3 million stadium now under construction off Avenue I and the Antelope Valley Freeway.

The allure of hearing the crack of a well-swung bat while munching on peanuts and Cracker Jack has not been enough to convince everyone that professional baseball will be good for Lancaster.

The City Council votes required for the financing and construction of the stadium were split 3 to 2.

THE TEAM

* Moved at the end of the 1995 season from Riverside, where it was based for three years after leaving Reno.

* Part of the 10-team California League.

* In the final year of its player development contract with the Seattle Mariners, the 1995 American League West champions.

* The only minor league team in the Los Angeles-Ventura-Orange county area with a tie to a major league franchise.

COST TO ATTEND

The new stadium, which features 12 luxury sky boxes, can seat 4,500 spectators. An additional 1,500 people can be accommodated on grass berms. (see newspaper for chart)

* Luxury boxes: Most of the 12 boxes will accommodate 15 people and sell for $7,000 for the season. One with seating for 18 will cost $7,500. The largest box seats 21, and will cost $8,000.

* Seat behind home plate: $6

* General admission: $4 and $5

* Grass berms: $2.50

* Season tickets: $350 for a prime lower-level spot behind the dugout or home plate. Other season packages are available at $300 and $250.

Parking:

1,000 on-site spots for $1 or $2; 500 free off-site spots across 25th Street West.

WHEN TO ARRIVE FOR A NIGHT GAME

JetHawks’ batting practice: 4:30 - 5:25 p.m.

Visitors’ batting practice: 5:25 - 6:10 p.m.

JetHawks’ infield practice: 6:10 - 6:30 p.m.

Visitors’ infield practice: 6:30 - 6:45 p.m.

Game Time: 7:15 p.m.

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Sources: Lancaster JetHawks, city of Lancaster

RESEARCHED BY SHARON MOESER / For The Times.