International Women’s Baseball Center project at Beyer Stadium gets $2 million grant

ROCKFORD, Ill (WTVO) — A $2,000,000 grant announced Tuesday will allow the International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC) to complete phase one of its Beyer Stadium project.

The IWBC received received a $2,000,000 grant from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, led by philanthropist and Mets Owner Alex Cohen, and a $350,000 grant from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the New York Mets.  

“We are deeply thankful to Alex Cohen and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation and Amazin’ Mets Foundation for their generous donations,” said Dr. Kat Williams, IWBC’s CEO. “Their support will make a profound and lasting impact at Beyer Stadium, Maybelle Blair Park, and throughout the Rockford community, region, nation and world. We truly appreciate their commitment to the IWBC and the future of women’s baseball and continue our fundraising efforts to complete the entire six-acre campus and Center. We look forward to bringing the world to Rockford, Illinois.”

In recognition of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation’s, the park surrounding historic Beyer Stadium will be named Maybelle Blair Park in honor of baseball icon and IWBC founding director emeritus Maybelle Blair. In addition, new bleacher seating will be named the Cohen Bleachers and the press box will be named after the Amazin’ Mets Foundation.

$1,500,000 from the City of Rockford and $400,000 from the State of Illinois will also fund the project.

Phase one of the project is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

Beyer Stadium renovations include the Cohen Bleachers, new restrooms, field regrading and sodding, irrigation, electrical upgrades, dugout upgrades, a scoreboard, foul poles, batting cages, pitching areas, and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation Press Box. Maybelle Blair Park, the green space north of the Stadium, will feature the Women’s Baseball Gallery, the restoration of the historic main entrance ticket booth, and visitor-friendly walking paths and recreation areas.

For more information, visit www.IWBC.org.