Above: The Blue Wahoos’ new stadium at the Community Maritime Park is nearing completion, with major construction estimated to end in February. The team will move its operations to the site in March. The stadium will also include a weight room, batting cage and training center for players to develop their skills in hopes of making it to the “big leagues.” The team opens its inaugural season on April 5. Photos by Scott Page/Splash! Construction of the stadium at the Community Maritime Park – the future home of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos – is expected to be completed in February.

The team’s staff operations are expected to move into the facility by March in anticipation of the inaugural 2012 season, which begins April 5.

The development of the Maritime Park and the eventual location of a Double-A team in Pensacola is the result of an effort that began seven years ago, when the Pensacola City Council approved the development concept by an 8-1 vote on Jan. 19, 2005.

The stadium will have a burm area in right-center field, where spectators can lay out a blanket on the grassy hill for a great view of the action. To commemorate the anniversary of the projects’ genesis, Splash! dropped by to snap some photos of the stadium construction progress in late December.

The 5,000-capacity ballpark will boast one of the most striking views in Minor League Baseball: Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Imagine the “Pensacola Navy” anchored just off the seawall behind left field. Boats full of spectators holding nets, anxiously waiting for an opportunity to snatch a homerun ball will resemble what you see on a Sportscenter highlight of a San Francisco Giants home run into the bay.

The stadium’s surroundings will be maximized by beautiful design elements, including an open concourse, landscaping and an amphitheatre behind the right-center field burm.

The backside of the burm will be the viewing are for the outdoor amphitheatre stage that will accompany the stadium in the park’s overall design. There is no better setting than Pensacola Bay to take in some music and a beautiful sunset. Maritime Park is an ambitious $52 million project meant to revitalize and stimulate the Pensacola economy, and as part of this mission, the facility will host other sporting events as well as concerts.

The chance to see the Major League stars of tomorrow is, of course, one of the Blue Wahoos' primary selling points. Another is creating a fun atmosphere that provides a memorable experience for spectators. Minor League teams are known for their sometimes questionable promotions, but the Blue Wahoos aim to keep ‘em classy and fun.

Stay tuned for more detailed information about what to expect come April.

A brick-paved concourse will run along the perimeter of Maritime Park, right on the edge of the water, providing a perfect spot to take a stroll or drop a line in the water. Visit the Blue Wahoos’ web site (www.bluewahoos.com) to check out the graphic renderings of what the completed park will look like on opening day; it’s going to be pretty amazing.