The "commons area," positioned directly between Citibank Ballpark and Grande Communications Stadium ... will become the Cimarex Energy Pavilion.

Ground-breaking for the pavilion was held today, with representatives from Cimarex, the City of Midland, the Sports Complex 4B Board, and the RockHounds (the baseball club is the Complex's primary tenant and official marketer) in attendance. The Midland Chamber of Commerce Ambassador program, the "M-Squad," was also on hand to lead the ceremony.

"On behalf of the City of Midland and the RockHounds Baseball Club, we're excited that Cimarex has stepped up to be our naming rights partner," said Monty Hoppel, RockHounds general manager.

While the area has existed since the Complex opened in 2002, the Cimarex Energy Pavilion will now become its own entity.

The area will be enclosed with exterior fencing, designed to match that of the two stadiums, and brick column entrances with archways on the east and west ends.

The pavilion will be designed to host a wide array of events, including:

► Concerts
► Football & Soccer Tailgating
► Exhibitions
► Reunions
► Community Festivals & Events
► Company Parties & Picnics
► Car Shows
► Youth Athletics ("Punt, Pass & Kick" and "Pitch, Hit & Run" and various clinics)

"There is a great variety of events for which the pavilion is an ideal venue," Hoppel said. "The possibilities are almost endless. With Citibank Ballpark and Grande Communications Stadium so busy with multiple events, the Cimarex Energy Pavilion gives us (as the Complex's marketers) an attractive, viable option to book events. It also provides event holders with a recognizable area and name to utilize in promoting and marketing their event. "

In addition to its secured entrances and permanent fencing, the pavilion's proximity to Citibank Ballpark and Grande Communications Stadium allows use of stadium facilities, including restrooms, picnic areas, concessions, and parking.

Hoppel pointed out that the new pavilion is a far more logical venue (compared to the stadiums) for many events. The overall area (165 feet wide and nearly 450 feet in length) makes it a great "fit" for events both large and small.

The renting of portable fencing, which was necessary for many events in the past at the commons area, will no longer be needed, thanks to the permanent fencing and secured area provided by the pavilion.

Cimarex Energy Co., based in Denver, Colorado, has a major presence in West Texas. The company also has principal operations in the Mid-Continent and Gulf Coast areas of the United States.