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Friday is the big day for Grand Opening for The Rawlings Experience at Westport Plaza.
Fredbird will be milling around in the early morning and you may see him on some of the local morning TV shows. The official Ribbon Cutting is at 10:30 and then the public will be admitted to this unique venue that is part retail store and part museum.
We got a sneak peak tour with Lindsey Naber, Senior Director of Brand Marketing – Rawlings Sporting Goods. We were not allowed to post pictures of the inside of the venue as they want people to experience the wonder first-hand. Suffice it to say it is beautifully done and does justice to all of the many museum pieces that have been collected by Rawlings over the years.
There is giant “gold glove” as soon as you walk inside. This is a nod to the Gold Glove awards that are given out every year in New York at the Rawllings Gold Glove Dinner. Because of the national presentations many don’t realize that Rawlings is based in St. Louis. Their corporate offices were moved from another location to their new location in the high-rise above the store.
There is also a large white baseball in the lobby, but the thing we were not able to see on our tour was a Swarovski Crystal baseball glove. This is a one-of-a-kind item made with 15,000 crystals. It is the only one that exists and it is actually for sale.
There will be activities going on all day. When you get to Westport look up for the Rawlings patch near the top of the building. Park in the surface lots or garage at Westport Plaza, 111 Westport Plaza Drive.
The ribbon cutting will be on the outdoor plaza in front of the Westport Plaza Gold Tower by the giant baseball. You won’t miss the giant gold baseball which will be a great photo op.
Rawlings executives, sports celebrities and community leaders will be on hand for the opening for The Rawlings Experience.
Visit the Glove Vault with a lineup of current and historic Rawlings Gold Glove Awards and see limited edition gloves, including a Swarovski Crystal-embellished masterpiece. Swing for the fences in the indoor Batting Cages for baseball and softball bat tryouts. Learn about custom glove and bat creation options. Photo op spots at The Rawlings Experience include a 10-foot-tall Rawlings Gold Glove and a giant replica of an official MLB Game Ball.
Ozzie Smith will be there from noon to 2 p.m. and Ted Simmons will appear from 2 to 4 p.m. If you are unable to make it to the opening we will have photos on Friday. For those living outside of the St. Louis area, it is going to be a tourist destination, a must-see for sports fans visiting St. Louis.
