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Hagerstown: Let’s begin designing new downtown ballpark

Hagerstown SunsDespite the lack of state funding and a long-term lease from the Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League), Hagerstown officials want to see design begin immediately on a new downtown ballpark.

Time apparently is of the essence, as the timeline for a new downtown ballpark will be presented to Mayor Robert Bruchey II and the city council today. The plan calls for design to begin immediately, along with lobbying for state funds, with construction beginning in May 2013. The new ballpark, replacing Municipal Stadium, would open for the 2015 season.

The projected $30-million price tag would be paid by the city and the county ($16 million), with another $6 million could come from the Suns in the form of $300,000 in annual rent. The Maryland Stadium Authority could fund the remainder or share it with a developer.

The Suns are also being courted by Winchester (Va.) officials, a courting that’s seemed quiet as of late.

RELATED STORIES: County to help fund new Hagerstown ballparkHagerstown citizens: Build downtown ballparkConsultant: Downtown Hagerstown ballpark is viable projectWinchester ballpark back on city agendaWork continues on Suns lease extensionWinchester rejects ballpark; Suns to discuss Municipal Stadium lease extensionWinchester seeks lease changes for proposed Suns ballparkHagerstown pitches downtown ballparkSuns: Nationals forcing us from HagerstownHagerstown Suns sign letter of intent for Winchester moveHagerstown looking at new ballpark to keep SunsWinchester preparing to offer $15 million ballpark to SunsHagerstown Suns in play

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