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Hagerstown looking at new ballpark to keep Suns

Hagerstown SunsHagerstown isn’t giving up the Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) without a fight, as city officials tap the expertise of the Maryland Stadium Authority for tips on a new or renovated ballpark.

The Suns play at Municipal Stadium, a facility that’s certainly seen better days, but one that’s done OK in the past. The question for Maryland Stadium Authority: whether it’s better to renovate the old ballpark (which could cost between $5 million and $18 million, depending on the extent of the work done) or to build a new one from scratch.

It sounds like the city and Washington County are leaning toward building a new ballpark, which then opens the next issue: how to pay for a facility that could cost at least $15 million, depending on land-acquisition costs. The state has helped build two new ballparks in recent years, and there will probably be a plea at some point for state help. Hagerstown officials say they’ll work to land another affiliated team if the Suns leave, but given territorial concerns, we’re guessing that would never happen.

The Suns have been talking with nearby Winchester, Virginia about a new ballpark.

RELATED STORIES: Winchester preparing to offer $15 million ballpark to Suns; Hagerstown Suns in play

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