Hundreds enjoy opening of El Paso County Sportspark

Hundreds of baseball fans headed to the El Paso County Sportspark Saturday.

The bats cracked and the crowds cheered.

America’s national past time was in full swing at the new sports center.

After overcoming legal hurdles with the initial contractor and architects, work on the sports center restarted last year on a roughly $300,000 budget left over from the original $7 million price tag.

“I just think it’s about time they opened it up,” said Miguel Esparza, parent and baseball coach.

Esparza feels the city will benefit from the park.

“It should bring a lot more people. More people from out of town, more teams and that’s what El Paso needs more exposure,” Esparza said.

As Jaime Torres watched his son run the bases, he tells us he’s happy with the facilities that include 10 baseball fields.

“I’ve been to some facilities out of town and this one is up there,” Torres said.

“The facilities are good. I think they just need to get the stuff finished but besides that the fields look good, the fields look nice,” Esparza said.

Esparza is talking about the closed clubhouse. County officials say it’s expected to be ready for the grand opening in May.

But as much as the parents enjoyed the shaded bleachers and snacks the ultimate judges were the kids leaving it all on the field, and it looks like it’s a big hit.

“I love it,” said one baseball player.

“I think it’s good the grass is better,” added another.

“I remember coming back and seeing my brother play here and I remember all the memories here and when they opened up I couldn’t wait to play,” said one player from team Pinnacle.

The park’s grand opening celebration will held May 21.