SENATOR STADELMAN ANNOUNCES $400,000 COMMITMENT TO BEYER STADIUM UPGRADES
Stadelman’s Support Accelerates IWBC Capital Campaign, Rockford’s Pursuit of Women’s Pro Baseball
ROCKFORD, Ill., April 28, 2025 – As announced today during a news conference, Illinois State Senator Steve Stadelman is committing $400,000 in state funds to help the International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC) make the necessary improvements to Beyer Stadium for attracting professional league play. With this generous commitment from Senator Stadelman, IWBC has more than $1.1 million dedicated for Phase One construction priorities at Beyer that include: a scoreboard, lights, enhanced electric, field regrading, irrigation, press box, restrooms, and other fan and player amenities.
Since its inception, IWBC’s impact has extended through a myriad of programs including educational symposia, celebrating cultural icons like the Rockford Peaches, producing free block parties and Major League Baseball youth clinics, and cultivating global opportunities like hosting the inaugural season of the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL). As its capital campaign and Phase-One construction accelerate, IWBC is a frontrunner for welcoming the WPBL to play the 2026 season at historic Beyer Stadium – where women’s professional baseball would return for the first time since 1954.
“Given the rich history of the Rockford Peaches and women’s baseball in Rockford, attracting these inaugural games to Beyer Field is an opportunity not to be passed up. I want to help IWBC make the improvements necessary to accommodate women’s professional baseball sooner rather than later,” said Senator Stadelman. “Having this world-class sports event occur on the Peaches home field will serve as an example of the economic catalyst that’s possible when the museum is fully developed.”
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Senator Stadelman for his incredible generosity and unwavering support of the International Women’s Baseball Center – at a time when the momentum for girls and women in sports is growing like never before, his commitment couldn’t be more critical,” said Dr. Kat Williams, IWBC CEO. “Senator Stadelman’s support not only strengthens the IWBC’s mission here in Rockford, but also helps amplify the voices of women and girls in baseball across the country and around the world. As we continue to work alongside organizations like the WPBL to build opportunities and preserve the rich history of women in sport, his belief in our cause means everything.”
In addition to the committed funds for Phase One work, IWBC has also invested $2.5 million in this south Rockford neighborhood through the razing and clean-up of old buildings, Beyer Stadium renovations, local and national programming, and the concept design development by world-renowned architect and area native Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang.
Targeted for completion in 2030, the three-phase IWBC project will cost approximately $31 million total: $5 million for Phase One (renovations and additions to Beyer Stadium and north Beyer Field), $22.8 million for Phase Two (construction of comprehensive indoor community/sports center and museum hall), and $3 million for Phase Three (buildout of exhibits inside the museum hall).
“The City of Rockford has been a proud supporter of the International Women’s Baseball Center for years,” said Tom McNamara, City of Rockford mayor. “The legacy of Beyer Stadium is not just about baseball — it’s about trailblazing and community pride. Women’s baseball is a vital chapter in Rockford’s story, and we’re committed to preserving and celebrating that legacy for generations to come.”
“Great things are happening at Beyer Park thanks to the IWBC,” said Jay Sandine, executive director of the Rockford Park District. “This investment will help enhance the historical venue, create a unique tourist experience, and provide endless opportunities for youth, teens and neighbors. The excitement and crowds we saw when we welcomed the USA Baseball Women’s National Team were just the start of the opportunities to showcase and push women’s baseball forward.”
IWBC’s capital campaign includes a mix of private, public, nonprofit, and philanthropic opportunities in Rockford and beyond. Partnership inquiries should be directed to [email protected] and [email protected]. For anyone interested in making an online donation, visit https://www.iwbc.org/donate/.
About IWBC: At the International Women’s Baseball Center, education is the cornerstone of our mission to protect, preserve, and promote all aspects of women’s baseball, both on and off the field. We strive to inspire the next generation of players by helping them realize their dreams of not only participating in the sport, but also of passing on all they learn and achieve for generations to come. For more information, visit www.IWBC.org.
Media Contacts: Dr. Kat Williams, CEO, International Women’s Baseball Center, [email protected], 304.617.4474; Nick Povalitis, founder, Plus Seven Company, [email protected], 815.708.1644.