In a monumental step toward preserving baseball history and inspiring the next generation, Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. has officially broken ground on a state-of-the-art baseball heritage facility that is already being hailed as the “West Coast Cooperstown.” The project, set to open in 2026 in Seattle, Washington, aims to celebrate the legacy of the game while offering fans a one-of-a-kind immersive experience—and creating a new hub for sports tourism and investment in the Pacific Northwest.
The facility, dubbed The Junior Baseball Experience, will combine museum-style exhibits, interactive technology, memorabilia collections, youth training spaces, and even an indoor mini-stadium designed to recreate iconic baseball moments. Located just minutes from T-Mobile Park, the site is expected to draw visitors from across the country.
“This is about more than just honoring the past,” Griffey said during an emotional groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday morning. “It’s about connecting generations through baseball. I want kids, parents, and lifelong fans to walk through these doors and feel inspired, empowered, and connected to the game we all love.”
Griffey, 55, one of the most beloved and iconic figures in Major League Baseball history, has long spoken about his desire to give back to the sport that gave him everything. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Griffey spent the prime of his career electrifying fans with his smooth swing, jaw-dropping defense, and charismatic flair—all while wearing the Seattle Mariners uniform.
Backed by a combination of private equity, corporate sponsorships, and city development grants, the $125 million project will span more than 100,000 square feet. The Junior Baseball Experience will feature:
- A Ken Griffey Jr. Hall, showcasing his personal memorabilia, career highlights, and never-before-seen footage.
- “Legends Row”, an exhibit honoring MLB greats past and present, with interactive timelines and virtual player interviews.
- A Kids Zone, including batting cages, pitching simulators, and youth coaching clinics.
- A business conference space and event center aimed at sports leadership and community development.
- A Legacy Investment Wing, where fans and local entrepreneurs can learn about sports investing, NIL education, and athlete entrepreneurship.
“This is a landmark development—not just for Seattle, but for the sport of baseball,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Ken Griffey Jr. is building more than a museum. He’s building a cultural institution, an economic driver, and a space for dreams to grow.”
Investment buzz is already building. Real estate analysts estimate the area surrounding the facility could see a significant spike in tourism, hospitality growth, and business traffic. Local vendors and sports tech startups are expected to find opportunities within the facility’s retail and innovation zones.
Griffey says the project is personal.
“This game gave me everything—my platform, my purpose, my passion. Now it’s my turn to build something lasting, something that inspires others,” he said.
Former teammates, MLB executives, and celebrities attended the groundbreaking, including Edgar Martínez, Ichiro Suzuki, and current Mariners star Julio Rodríguez. Rodríguez, who credited Griffey for mentoring him during his rookie season, called the project “a game-changer.”
“Junior made Seattle a baseball town,” Rodríguez said. “Now he’s making it the heart of baseball culture.”
The Junior Baseball Experience is slated to open in spring 2026, just ahead of Opening Day. Plans are already in motion to host youth tournaments, MLB-sponsored fan events, and annual induction-style honors to spotlight players from all levels of the sport.
As construction begins, one thing is clear: Ken Griffey Jr.’s legacy is no longer just about his unforgettable moments on the diamond—it’s about shaping the future of baseball itself.