The Spokane Indians Baseball Club says it's building a railroad-inspired, group-seating area at Avista Stadium.

The seating area, to be called The Depot, will include a replica train car, which will be located beyond the right field bleachers at the county-owned stadium at 222 N. Havana, says Otto Klein, the ballclub's senior vice president. It will be available for private parties and events involving up to 60 people, Klein says.

The construction of the new seating area will be ready for the Spokane Indians' season opener on June 18, Klein says. He declines to disclose the cost of the project, which is being funded by the Spokane Indians. Coeur d'Alene-based Hagadone Directories Inc. is a major sponsor, he adds.

M.E. Uphus Construction Inc., of Spokane, is the general contractor on the project, and Chris & Pat Inc., of Spokane, designed it. One of the owners of that company also restored the former railroad cars that house Frank's Diner restaurants downtown and on the North Side.

Klein says The Depot is the brainchild of ballclub owner Bobby Brett, who was inspired by the railroad tracks visible from the stadium.

"The long-term vision is to continue with improvements in right field, eventually enabling baseball fans to walk completely around the outfield," Klein says.

The Depot will rent for $900 a night, and parties using it will have the option of sitting inside or outside the structure. For an added cost, the ballclub will provide a buffet, and The Depot will be the only part of the stadium in which hard liquor will be sold, Klein says.