"Everything in our mission statement about creating a social gathering place for our community to enjoy our great past-time, that's what we've created more than anything else."”

Ryan Bishop

First National Bank of River Falls Field
600 Hanson Drive
River Falls, WI 54022
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The month of March must be a time for addressing in River Falls.

The City of River Falls gave their "State of the City" address just over two weeks ago. Last week, the non-profit all-volunteer River Falls Baseball Council (RFBC) group was asked by the city to give their "State of the Ballpark" address at a March city council meeting. 

In a nutshell, First National Bank of River Falls Field is seemingly in a state of euphoria with its continued growth.

Board members Nate Schurman and Ryan Bishop presented at the meeting on behalf of the RFBC.

"It was a chance to reconnect with the city council and thank them," said Bishop. "It has been a great partnership from day one. I’m glad they asked us because if we don't share our story, then someone else will and it might not be accurate."

The City of River Falls leases the land to the RFBC for $1 per year. The RFBC, mostly through local business sponsorships and volunteer man-hours, built the approximate $1 million facility that included a $300,000 construction loan 11 years ago.

"That's what makes River Falls special," said Schurman. "The community supports itself."

"That was our (RFBC) commitment to giving back to the community that supports us was by not charging admission," said Bishop. "The field wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the community support."

The RFBC received an $850,000 grant from the Major League Baseball Players’ Association in 2018 and installed turf the following year. The addition of turf has increased annual usage by five times, according to Bishop. First National Bank of River Falls Field hosts close to 500 events including games and practices for youth baseball and softball, the Challenger League (those with disabilities), high school baseball and softball, and amateur baseball. First National Bank of River Falls Field also provides opportunities beyond baseball and softball by hosting weddings, comedy shows, concerts, military graduations and graduation parties.

City councilman Scott Morrisette thanked the RFBC for allowing numerous area non-profits to promote their organizations during Fighting Fish games.

"Everything in our mission statement about creating a social gathering place for our community to enjoy our great past-time, that's what we've created more than anything else," said Bishop.

"Our board has grown over time," said Schurman. "It started as a focus on baseball, but it didn't take long for us to recognize all of the other opportunities for our community."  

Over 600 River Falls residents, both youth and adult, use the field annually, according to Bishop. Schurman also stated the facility rents the field for close to 95 rental games and practices to teams not from River Falls.

"It's a very conservative local economic impact of close to $1.3 million annually," said Schurman. "In reality that number is definitely much higher."

"That number is just the players and staff from those visiting out of area teams," said Bishop. "That number doesn't include any fans because we don't sell tickets and have no way to determine that number right now.”

"The city benefits indirectly through property tax when local businesses profit and it also helps with desirability," said River Falls City Administrator Scot Simpson. “That field is a big deal. The River Falls Baseball Council should be really proud of what they've accomplished."

The RFBC spends close to $100,000 locally on concession products and other facility needs annually. 

"I'm really proud the city is part of that partnership and the community has benefitted greatly from it," said Simpson.

An added partner to the RFBC is UW-River Falls with Falcon baseball back in action for the first time since 2002. UWRF leases time for practices and games and they will charge for admission, same as they do for their other NCAA athletic events; however, the RFBC will receive concession proceeds.

"The partnership with UWRF has enabled the RFBC to begin planning upgrades to the facility that will benefit everyone," said Schurman.

Next on the upgrade list is a new scoreboard in left-center field. The current scoreboard was purchased used in 2013 and according to Bishop, is limping along.

"It doesn't have LED lights and it's very tough to see in the daytime and that's when the majority of the Falcon games will be," said Bishop.

Schurman discussed the addition of a new 30-by-36-foot scoreboard with a digital video screen. Static business anchor sponsorships will blanket the perimeter of the scoreboard. Video advertisements and local entertainment content will play during the games. It will also be large enough to host "movie nights" or viewing parties. It will, in essence, be a giant television set with a big living room for area residents.

“The possibilities are endless with that type of scoreboard,” said Bishop.

"We have always been local and regionally focused," said Schurman. "We know we can easily have big Twin Cities companies sponsor but we're actively giving our local businesses the first opportunity to connect with their patrons. The scoreboard is an investment in the future that will provide financial solvency for the ballpark for years to come.”

It is the goal of the RFBC to have the new digital scoreboard installed by the spring of 2026.