Richards field has been the heart and home of Roseville Little League since 1958; a place where generations of Roseville kids have grown up together, learning teamwork and perseverance through the game of baseball. As one of the first Little League diamonds constructed with lights to allow for night games, it has always been special and set apart from other fields.
However, after decades of use, the field’s aging lights and worn scoreboard began to show their age. Installed in 1999, the fading system had begun to dim the excitement of Roseville Little League night games under the lights. While they still got the job done, the lights were increasingly costly to operate and no longer met the needs of the growing league.
League officials and the community had long recognized the need for new lights at the league’s most popular field, but funding challenges always prevented the project from moving forward. Fortunately, Roseville Electric Utility and the Little League have shared a long-standing relationship, and the utility reached out at just the right time this year to check in and offer support.
It was easy for the Roseville Electric team to recognize the lasting impact new stadium lights at Richards Field would have on the community, and they were thrilled at the opportunity to step in and help bring the project to life. Through funding support provided by their
commercial energy efficiency rebate program, Roseville Electric was able to assist the league in getting their new lights and scoreboard up and running by opening night of the 11u District All-Star tournament in July.
“The rebate funding made this project possible,” said Casey Bisard, longtime volunteer and league board member. “Without it, the cost would have been out of reach, and we’d either have to raise fees or go without. Thanks to Roseville Electric, we were able to make an investment that benefits every single player and family in our league. Everyone is amazed with the new lights.”
With projected energy savings of up to 50%, the new system exceeds the expectations of the league’s project team, which set out to reduce energy consumption and control costs. In addition to the increased savings, the overall illumination is substantially better, the infield is over 50% brighter, and the outfield is twice as bright as before. Some added benefits of the project are unquantifiable, helping to enhance the safety and experience of the players. For example, the field is now equipped with modern up-lighting technology that illuminates pop flies, so outfielders don’t lose sight of the ball in the twilight.
Richards Field has once again become the prime spot for night games. The new lights and upgraded scoreboard offer spectators and players an elevated level of Little League games, unmatched by any other local Little League field.
"As Roseville’s community-owned electric utility, we do more than just deliver power, we’re here to support our community,” said Andrea Blomquist, Roseville Electric’s senior energy services account manager. “Our rebate programs help our customers save energy and reduce costs, and they also allow us to partner with organizations like Roseville Little League to help them complete impactful initiatives that benefit our entire community, like the lighting and scoreboard replacement project.”
The positive impacts of this project extend far beyond Richards Field. For many in Roseville, the Little League is about more than playing baseball; it’s a place where children and parents meet lifelong friends. It’s also an after-school destination many families count on. The anticipated cost savings from the new lights will help the league remain affordable, allowing more children in the community to participate regardless of household income.
Community was really the driving force behind this project. From the players, coaches, and parents in the league who worked hard to recruit resources, to external partners like Roseville Electric and local business sponsors who helped make it happen, everyone involved contributed to a cause larger than themselves for the benefit of the entire community. Thanks to a collective effort, Richards Field is a polished diamond, shining brighter than ever.