Chukchansi Park offers hope of revitalization

MAYBE THE NEW name means the Fresno Grizzlies are bound to strike gold.

Even if that’s just wishful thinking, the arena we called Grizzly Stadium is a thing of the past. For now, all we can do is welcome another corporate-named establishment, Chukchansi Park.

Just think, someday we might go to a concert at Costco Center, or catch a show at the DollarTree Theatre, the possibilities are endless for corporations willing to fork out millions.

And that’s exactly what Chukchansi has done.

For naming rights, the casino and resort has agreed to pay $16 million over the next 15 years after shelling out $1 million upfront to pay for improvements and new signs.

But how far is too far?

Local criticism about casinos and their place outside tribal lands has recently been heard. Taking children to a ballpark named after a casino is unappealing to parents around the Valley. However, because of baseball’s stance against gambling Chukchansi can only market themselves as a resort.

Advertisements for gaming or gambling aren’t allowed in signs or other promotions inside the stadium, so the only influence is the name: Chukchansi.

And really, what’s in a name? A stadium by any other name is still a stadium.

If anything, fans should be excited.

The deal promises at least another 15 years of Fresno baseball, something that was floundering before Chukchansi took heed.

Though, we should probably start saying our goodbyes to Parker, the team’s current mascot, since along with naming rights, the good people at Chukchansi have the option to change that too. Which gives us all something to look forward to next season.

In addition to more baseball, Chukchansi Park will be presenting outdoor concerts, like Joe Nichols and Toby Keith last week.

Though I’m not a huge fan of country music, I do enjoy free VIP tickets (thanks, Tiffany) and you can guarantee I was there.

I have to admit, having an outdoor venue for concerts adds a lot of much needed panache to Fresno. It was surreal, having a cold beer, listening to (dare I say it) awesome music, feeling a cool breeze running through my hair and suddenly turning my head only to recognize the “N” skyline of downtown Fresno, Luftenburgs’ sign and all.

David Lee Roth, Ana Gabriel and Paul Rodriguez are all scheduled to perform at Chukchansi Park in the near future, if you get a chance to check them or any other performer who might come out, you should.

I did, and I didn’t even have the urge to play Hold ‘Em.

Let’s face it, Chukchansi Park has the ability to help revitalize our downtown, something residents have been griping about for years.

Corporate naming might even become something of a trend around here, if companies can benefit from it like Chukchansi will.

For now, as new signs proclaiming the “arrival” of Chukchansi Park fill our downtown streets, we shouldn’t be afraid of contracting gambling addictions.

We should be glad, grateful even, that someone — a resort of sorts — has taken interest and is doing something to help Fresno reach its potential.

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