View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/blogs/old-republic-surety/2022/09/07/682055.htm
This post is part of a series sponsored by Old Republic Surety.
In the second part of our two-part article, we see how Sean Rummel’s love of baseball and surety came together in a Georgia stadium project. We also visit a few other baseball surety projects, and share more interesting trivia about the baseball stadiums whose project owners rely on surety bonds. You can read part one here.
Building or renovating a local baseball field can be a multi-million-dollar project with much more complicated and nuanced needs than typical property developments. Specialized experience is critical to ensuring these projects are completed on time and within budget.
Old Republic Bond Manager Sean Rummel worked on a $3.1 million bond for the development of a 22-acre raw land site ― which would include the construction of walking paths, multi-purpose fields, event lawn parking lot, restrooms and concession stands ― located in Cherokee County, Georgia, in 2013.
Early in the project’s progress, problems were revealed in the drawings and scope: The property was on a floodplain in which irrigation, elevation and other difficulties arose. On top of these issues, the council wanted to add additional scopes ― including a bridge over the nearby river, lighting, trails and playgrounds ― that were not in the original plans, but wanted to increase the budget only slightly.
Because they had a close relationship, Old Republic worked to help the contractor successfully resolve the situation with the project owner so the job could be finished without additional expense to the owner.
“This issue, along with the scope additions, came up mid-project, so we had to come together to develop a resolution. That’s one of the things you don’t have control over,” Rummel said. “That relationship aspect is key for surety ― meeting face-to-face, and understanding the processes ― there’s a lot to it.”
Local stadiums are important to their communities, Rummel said, so it is imperative the work is done right, completed on time and within a municipality’s budget.
“It’s rewarding for a contractor to be able to hang their hat on these projects and know the community will benefit from it,” he said.
Baseball field renovations at Coral Reef Park in the Village of Palmetto, Fla., near Miami.
Signage at Great American Ballpark, home of the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati
Contractor masonry work on concession stand upgrades for Milwaukee Brewer’s Miller Park in Milwaukee
Baseball and softball field additions at California State University, Fullerton, Goodwin Field ― structural steel and metal decking (press box, concessions, bleachers, and dugout)
The Seattle Mariners will host the 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.