Baseball United Ballpark: Dubai is set to make history by becoming the home of the Middle East’s first-ever professional baseball park. This groundbreaking development will be located within The Sevens sports and entertainment complex on Al-Ain Road, adding yet another world-class facility to Dubai’s ever-expanding sports infrastructure. The 6,500-capacity stadium is expected to be a game-changer for the sport in the region, serving as a hub for baseball across a vast territory that spans from Morocco to India, Bangladesh, and several countries in Southwest Asia.
Baseball United Ballpark: A Landmark Development for Baseball in the Middle East
The new professional baseball park, tentatively named Baseball United Ballpark, marks a significant milestone for the sport in a region where baseball has traditionally had little presence. This initiative is spearheaded by Baseball United, a group dedicated to promoting and expanding the sport in the Middle East and South Asia. The ballpark will serve as the only professional baseball facility within a 10,000-kilometer radius, making it a pivotal development for the sport’s growth in the area.
Kash Shaikh, the chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Baseball United, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “Our league has brought together so many powerful ingredients to help make baseball the Middle East and South Asia’s next great sport. From our passionate fanbase and legendary co-owners to our world-class players and historic franchises, we’ve worked hard to bring the best of baseball to Dubai.”
He emphasized the need for a dedicated facility, saying, “The only thing that has been missing was a place to call home. We wanted a true, purpose-built baseball ballpark that can serve as the launchpad for professional baseball across the region.”
A Stadium Inspired by Yankee Stadium
The design of the Baseball United Ballpark draws inspiration from one of the most iconic baseball stadiums in the world—Yankee Stadium, the legendary home of the New York Yankees. The dimensions of the Dubai stadium will mirror those of Yankee Stadium, with fences measuring 318 feet to left field, 314 feet to right field, and 408 feet to center field. This homage to American baseball tradition is expected to resonate with fans and players alike, creating a sense of familiarity and excitement.
Incorporating modern technology with traditional design elements, the stadium will feature a dual-fiber, synthetic playing surface designed to withstand Dubai’s intense heat. The lighting system will be equally impressive, generating over 15 million lumens across eight lighting towers and 94 fixtures. This advanced LED technology will ensure optimal visibility during play, even under the bright Dubai sun.
The stadium’s seating arrangement will be modular and moveable, allowing for flexibility in accommodating up to 6,500 fans. This design feature ensures that the ballpark can adapt to various events and crowd sizes, making it a versatile venue for a range of baseball-related activities.
Bringing Tradition to the Modern Era
While the Baseball United Ballpark will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, it will also pay tribute to the rich history of baseball. The stadium will feature a traditional scoreboard, reminiscent of those seen in 19th-century American baseball parks. This nostalgic touch will be complemented by a modern LED content wall, blending the old with the new in a unique way.
Shaikh highlighted the importance of honoring baseball’s heritage, stating, “We wanted something that was entrepreneurial and right-sized, that combined new technology while paying homage to baseball’s 150 years of tradition.” This thoughtful integration of history and innovation underscores the commitment of Baseball United to creating a venue that not only meets the needs of modern sports but also respects the legacy of baseball.
A Hub for International Baseball
The Baseball United Ballpark will not just be a stadium; it will be the center of a burgeoning baseball scene in the Middle East. The facility is set to host a series of major baseball tournaments in the coming year, signaling the start of a new era for the sport in the region.
In November 2024, Dubai will host an international baseball tournament featuring teams from the UAE, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Nepal. This event will be a significant step towards establishing a strong baseball presence in the Middle East, showcasing the talent and potential of players from these countries.
Following the international tournament, Dubai will host a cup competition in February 2025, where former Major League Baseball (MLB) stars will be paired with local talent. This event is expected to draw considerable attention, offering a unique opportunity for fans to see some of the sport’s legends in action alongside emerging players from the region.
The ultimate goal is to establish a full baseball league season, with Dubai at the heart of this ambitious venture. While the exact timeline for the stadium’s completion is still under wraps, the anticipation is building, and baseball fans are eagerly awaiting the opening of this landmark facility.
Barry Larkin Field: A Tribute to a Legend
In a fitting tribute to one of baseball’s greatest players, the playing field at Baseball United Ballpark will be named after Barry Larkin, a Hall of Famer and co-founder of Baseball United. Larkin’s involvement in the project adds a layer of prestige to the stadium and underscores the commitment of Baseball United to bringing top-tier baseball to the Middle East.
Larkin’s legacy in the sport is well-known, and his association with the Dubai ballpark is expected to inspire a new generation of baseball players in the region. The naming of the field after Larkin symbolizes the start of something truly special—a new chapter in the history of baseball, with Dubai as its epicenter.
Looking Ahead
As Dubai prepares to welcome the Middle East’s first professional baseball park, the excitement is palpable. This development represents more than just the construction of a stadium; it is the beginning of a new era for baseball in a region where the sport has long been underrepresented.
With major tournaments on the horizon and a state-of-the-art facility in the works, Dubai is poised to become a key player in the global baseball community. Fans and players alike can look forward to a future where baseball thrives in the Middle East, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to enjoy the sport in a world-class setting.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Baseball United Ballpark and the exciting events scheduled for the coming year. The future of baseball in Dubai is bright, and this is just the beginning.