Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1226469
www.FredericksburgParent.NET 19 "On the 50 th anniversary of Robinson's first game, I was a guest of MLB at Shea Stadium at a game between the Dodgers and Mets," Silber adds. "It was a big day. President Clinton was there and Jackie's family was honored." Silber shared Robinson's classic jersey number with Yankee Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera and later his son. Silber views his history of wearing the number as a vehicle to retell Robinson's story. The new stadium will be a fun mix of new and traditional amenities. "We want fans to have a wow factor. The 28-foot-high crossed bats with the Fredericksburg Nationals logo inside will greet people entering the ballpark. Our lobby will resemble a theater and the ballpark will have a magnificent playing surface that offers top-of-the-line drainage and durability," says Silber. There will be a 6-foot high 167-foot long ribbon board in the outfield and 60-foot wide video board for all the video highlights and intros, according to planners. Other unique features in the ballpark will include a local history wall that includes the origins of baseball ranging from its Native Americans roots to Civil War soldiers play- ing the first forms of the sport. It also includes the story of the legendary Fredericksburg White Sox. "The ballpark will also have a wellness and play area sponsored by Mary Washington Healthcare with a toddler play area and a more active and fast- paced area geared towards teens," says Silber. "We will offer affordable family entertainment in a safe place. We are even doing a national search for a full- size carousel—but I'm not sure that will be ready for opening day." WEBSITE: FREDNATS.com RADIO: NewsTalk 1230 WFVA to be Official Flagship Station for the Fredericksburg Nationals Inaugural Season The stadium will accommodate a semi-truck pulling a full stage into the park's interior Sound stage, video screen and Bose sound system will make sure there are no dead spots in the stadium Upper decks, party decks and club areas will dazzle Scoreboard box with manual changes to the scoreboard like Fenway Park Silber is an avid baseball collector who owns 900 signed baseballs stretching back to the 1920s The stadium will hold special events, concerts, camp days and fireworks Special field lighting will allow for color changes for special events Fredericksburg Nationals have a local history partnership with Germanna Community College Silber previously owned the Potomac Nationals At press time the seats were going in and the details are being finalized all under the loving guidance of the Silber family. "We are unique in that we own all 25 acres of our ballpark. It is owned by me, my daughter and my son—it's truly a family endeavor," says Silber. "We're incredibly close as a family and my three grandchildren. My daughter moved to Fredericksburg when construction started and my teenage grandson attends school in Fredericksburg. My son lives close by as well; everyone is involved." In addition to creating a great baseball venue, the area behind Central Park known as Celebrate Virginia will become an entertainment complex. "I want people to think of the stadium as a second home and more," Silber adds. The new stadium will also host concerts and special shows like the fireworks displays that were immensely popular with its Potomac Nationals fans before the move south. The team's ownership praised the tremendous level of co-operation and support of local government and business and it hopes to incorporate many commu- nity and business partnerships. "We believe we're going to sell out lots of games," says Silber. "We are very excited about our new home." home."