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Legal Notice Issued on The Ballpark at Harbor Yard

Bridgeport Bluefish

The future of the Bridgeport Bluefish (independent; Atlantic League) is being called into question after a legal notice was issued by the city.

Earlier this week, the City of Bridgeport issued a legal notice in The Connecticut Post on the potential for a future agreement for The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. The notice, which can be viewed here, states that the city issuing a request for proposal (RFP) on a lease for the facility.

“The City of Bridgeport is issuing this RFP seeking proposals for a professional sports team operation or an outdoor entertainment venue, with the possibility of retrofitting the existing facility at the site,” the notice states. “The operation should take full advantage of the site and supplement the growth of the Downtown, the South End and the Waterfront with frequent events that have a regional appeal. The operation should begin operations by July 2018.”

One apparent issue with the notice is the timing. The Bluefish are set for 2017, but the lease between the city and the team–which was agreed to this winter–only covers the upcoming season. More from The Connecticut Post:

Rowena White, spokeswoman for [mayor Joe] Ganim, said the RFP should not be viewed as a sign the Bluefish are out.

“Of course, any and all participants are encouraged to apply, including the Bluefish,” she said.

Boulton, team owner since 2008, declined to comment specifically on the RFP, but made it clear he wants to remain the stadium’s tenant.

“Our focus is on the 20th anniversary season and working with the city to make sure we’re here for many years to come,” he said. “Hopefully the community values the Bridgeport Bluefish and all they’ve done to bring affordable family entertainment to southern Connecticut.”

The Bluefish have played at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard since it opened in 1998.

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