Whether this sways any voters remains to be seen, but it looks like a proposed new ballpark in Wilmington (N.C.) could attract outside investors, as a development firm say it will build next to the Carolina League facility if approved. The developer, Charlotte-based South Street Partners, is pitching high-end residential and retail space if voters approve […]
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Sadak to SWB Yankees; Janus replacement in Wilmington
Award-winning John Sadak is the new voice of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League); he’ll be replaced as the voice of the Wilmington Blue Rocks (High Class A; Carolina League) by Matt Janus. Regular followers of the Ballpark Digest awards know Sadak from our annual recognition of his work as one of the best […]
Indians begin Avista Stadium renovations
The Spokane Indians (short season A; Northwest League) and Spokane County have begun renovations to Avista Stadium, the team’s home since 1958, for the 2013 season. “It’s exciting to see the construction get underway and envision what the stadium will look like next spring,” said Otto Klein, Indians Senior Vice President. “These vital improvements are […]
El Paso ballpark debate enters final stretch
The debate over public funding of a new downtown El Paso ballpark enters the final stretch, with both sides making a push to convince voters to support them in the upcoming elections. The immediate issue: whether or not to approve a 2 percentage point hike in the city’s hotel/motel tax to mostly fund a $50-million […]
El Paso: ballpark will happen with or without hotel tax
A new downtown El Paso ballpark will happen with or without voter approval of a hotel/motel tax hike, according to city officials, as opponents argue that voting down the tax will be the same as voting down the ballpark. Proposition 3 on the Nov. 6 bond ballot designates the ballpark as a sports venue — […]
Legends unveil new uniforms for 2013
The Lexington Legends (Low Class A; Sally League) unveiled new uniforms for the 2013 season, implementing a green-blue-cream color combination and paying homage to Kentucky in several ways. “It’s been an exciting off-season so far, and this will only add to it,” said Legends General Manager Seth Poteat. “It’s time to let everyone see the […]
Spelius signs on for one last term as ML prez
George Spelius has signed on for one last two-year term as president of the Low Class A Midwest League and will be spending the final year grooming a successor. The term will December 31, 2014. “It is a privilege and honor to serve as Midwest League President,” he said via press release. “I am extremely proud […]
Reno preliminarily approves ballpark bailout
The threat by Reno Aces (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) owner Herb Simon worked: the Reno City Council preliminarily approved a plan to refinance a $55-million Aces Ballpark construction debt. A final vote is scheduled for Nov. 7; it’s expected to go the same way unless something changes. The city would use general funds, to […]
Babby makes first public appearance as Aeros owner
Ken Babby, the new owner of the Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League), made his first public appearance after buying the team and negotiating a new lease for Canal Park. “I want to create a memorable, unique, affordable and enjoyable fan experience, and also maximize the opportunity to create change in the community through charitable, […]
Classic Park to sport new turf in 2014
It’s a little thing, but one that gets noticed: Classic Park, the home of the Lake County Captains (Low Class A; Midwest League), will have new turf for the 2014 season. The Captains say the current turf isn’t acceptable; city officials say it is. So the two sides came up with a funding plan that […]
Attracting businesses downtown with new Birmingham ballpark
A new Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) ballpark is apparently having the effect civic leaders wanted: attracting new business downtown. Here’s an account from a restaurant owner opening a new place near the ballpark. Though the plans aren’t final, local investor John Lauriello is putting together a group of investors to open a new […]
Loons go green with new sustainability goals
The Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League) are partnering with Dow Chemical Company and Dow Corning Corporation to reduce total energy use, water use and waste at Dow Diamond by 50 percent by the year 2020. Over the last several months, Loons organizational leaders have spent time learning from corporate sustainability leaders at […]
Will new 51s lease yield new Las Vegas ballpark?
Lease negotiations for Cashman Field held bigger stakes than just an assured home for the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League): they also may have committed the city to a new ballpark down the line. Representatives of Howard Hughes Corp. and Steven Mack — the potential buyers of the 51s from Derek Stevens […]