Cyclone Ballpark managers outline Phase 2 openings, tournaments and marketing push

Cyclone Ballpark General Manager Thomas Ward told the Pecos City Council the ballpark is recovering from weeks of lost power during construction and from recent weather that depressed revenue, and he outlined a slate of tournaments, community events and marketing work aimed at restoring income before the park's Phase 2 grand opening.

Ward said preliminary design and construction work has left the park usable during daytime hours but not yet for evening play because lighting remains unconnected. “We just need the revenue to to get back in line,” Ward said, describing efforts to add events, tournaments and programs to draw more visitors to Pecos.

Nut graf: The ballpark team is recruiting tournaments (NCS has offered 12 dates, including a West Texas state championship in May), adding new local events (an April 12 “extreme kickball” tournament tied to the city's Easter event), hiring a marketing manager to expand outreach and refining concession and sponsorship arrangements in advance of a two-day grand opening for Phase 2.

Ward said NCS has already scheduled a spring state championship with roughly 26 teams signed and could reach 40 by the event. That tournament will include a concert; Ward said the headliner may draw from the San Antonio market. He also described negotiations to host softball events, other tournament providers the park is courting, and planned attendance-driving trips (Sport ETA in Tulsa) to book additional rights holders.

Bryant (Brian), the park’s new marketing and business development manager, has begun targeted radio, newspaper and social media campaigns and is planning digital advertising that stretches into Odessa, Midland, Carlsbad and El Paso. Ward said the park also switched food distribution to US Foods to improve quality and margins and that little-league play this spring has produced a 20–30% increase in on-site spending.

Ward said fields built in Phase 2 are usable during daylight but the lights still need power; he expects an update in April on a schedule to energize lighting. He also reported Phase 2 amenities — including a splash pad, playground and clubhouse space — will be part of a planned two-day grand opening he hopes to announce within two to three weeks. The park plans rentals, movie nights and open hours for the new facilities to maximize community use.

Council members and staff pressed Ward on marketing and community partnership work; Ward said team members are pursuing corporate sponsorships (including local oil companies) and working with the Pecos Bills on advertising and hiring an event coordinator for home games. Ward said NCS and other rights holders will be courted aggressively and that the park is leveraging connections at conferences to book multi-year events.

Ending: Ward encouraged council members and residents to visit the site to see progress and said the park staff will present updates to the council as tournament contracts and the grand opening date are finalized.