GIVE IT TO US STRAIGHT. The Eau Claire Express are bringing a brand-new video scoreboard to Carson Park ahead of its 2025 season, a feature the stadium has never had before. (Photos via Facebook)

A new athletic aesthetic will be a prominent part of the 2025 Eau Claire Express season – and it comes with a roughly half-a-million-dollar price tag. In addition to new logos and uniforms, the team has unveiled the “WNB Financial Video Board,” Carson Park’s first-ever video screen.

Team owner Craig Toycen noted the growing difficulty in repairing the stadium’s former circa-2007 scoreboard as one reason behind the installation of the new board. The addition is part of a significant baseball facility renovation Toycen sees as critical. “I appreciate that the city recognizes that the stadium is approaching its 90th birthday and that there are some infrastructure needs that, while aren’t enhancements, are necessary," he said.

As of this spring, about $300,000 has been raised toward the Carson Park Baseball Stadium Renovation Fund and project, Toycen said. According to a description of the fund, which is managed by the Eau Claire Community Foundation, the City of Eau Claire requires $375,000 in order to begin construction. The city has committed to covering half of the project's total cost, which is an estimated $3.5 million.

Pictured at left is a mock-up design of the WNB Financial Video Board, which will be Carson Park's first-ever video scoreboard. At right is the previous board being removed. 

Toycen said the next priorities for Carson Park should include replacing General Admission seating along the first and third base sides – "They are well beyond their useful life and don't meet current safety standards," he said of the seating – as well as implementing an artificial turf field and updated dugouts.

"The current design is too small, offers no protection from the elements, and is not up to the standard most athletes currently expect," Toycen said of the facility's current dugouts. 

Those looking to contribute to further upgrades can contact the Eau Claire Community Foundation.  “We love Carson Park and its history and we want future generations to be able to continue to enjoy it," Toycen said.

The schedule for the 2025 Eau Claire Express season is available online, which will begin on Monday, May 26 in Carson Park • Keep up with the Eau Claire Express online • Learn more about the Carson Park Baseball Stadium Renovation project and donation fund online at eccfwi.org/fund/carson-park-baseball-stadium-renovation-fund/.