Ferris Field

Located in Spokane, WA, USA

Basic History

Ferris Field was built in 1936, and was located at the Northwest corner of the Spokane Fairgrounds. It was named after it's benefactor John Ferris, a former Spokane Indians player and manager, who had secured the funds to build the stadium from the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Ferris Field was built primarily for the Spokane Indians baseball team who played in the Western International League, replacing their previous field Natatorium Park. The stadium's grandstand would burn to the ground in the Fall of 1948. It would continued to be used until 1956, when the Spokane Indians folded due to dwindling attendance.

As a Boxing Venue

Ferris Field made its debut as a boxing venue on May 17, 1946, replacing Gonzaga Stadium as Spokane's outdoor venue. The first show promoted by Orien Gross Jr., featured Spokane favorite Joey Dolan in his return to Spokane against old rival Joe Robleto, in their fifth meeting.

Ferris Field held 7,500 for boxing, though this capacity was probably exceeded for Tiger Jack Fox's Spokane finale against Freddie Beshore. Fox's last bout in Spokane on June 8, 1948, drew in excess of 8,000 fans, and was attended by Washington's Governor Mon Wallgeren, as well as the state's U.S. Senator Warren Magnusson.

Ferris Field continued as an outdoor boxing venue through the early 1950's, until boxing's decline as an attraction in Spokane made outdoor bouts unnecessary.

Miscellaneous Info

Not affiliated with Ferris High School of Spokane, which was named after Joel E. Ferris.

Links

More on Ferris Field: [1]