WASECA — Construction of a new grandstand at a field in southeastern Minnesota is expected to begin in early October.

The original grandstand at Tink Larson Field in Waseca was built in 1938. It burned down in a suspected arson in April 2016, according to a press release.

Flooding last fall delayed the project’s construction. Funding discussions about how much the city should spend rebuilding also delayed the project. A $275,000 allocation from the Legislature in June further delayed construction as the city was forced to rebid the project with contractors because of state requirements that came with the funds.

Construction will start once the building plan is complete, said Mark Duchene, city engineer.

“We’re working through contracts with the different companies and getting everything coordinated and planned,” Duchene said.

Crews will begin by excavating and putting in place water and sewer utility connections, Duchene said.

The field is named after Tink Larson, a longtime Waseca baseball coach. Larson said the new grandstand will feature 100 seats from Target Field and 100 seats from the old Metrodome.

Larson plans to periodically meet with city officials as construction begins.

“We’re going to be meeting every two weeks with the architect, city manager and project manager,” Larson said. “The final renderings are in place. We’re just going to be discussing the project.”

The project is expected to cost about $1.8 million.