Archives: Feb. 11-17, 2008
Marlins ballpark inches closer to fruition; deal could be done by Thursday
Posted Feb. 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Marlins are this close to closing a deal on a new ballpark, as the team, Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami work out the final financial details. A 94-page outline of the deal was sent to all pertinent parties Saturday night, and it basically completed the financial underpinnings of the $525-million funding plan. Miami-Dade will contribute $347 million (mostly from tourist tax dollars) toward a new ballpark on the Orange Bowl site, while the city of Miami will pay $23 million, including $10 million toward the demolition of the historic football facility. (Lest you think the city got off easy, it will pick up the costs of a $94 million parking ramp.) The Marlins have stuck with their commitment of $155 million, with $120 million at the beginning of the process and the rest due in $2.3 million in annual rent payments and contributions toward capital improvements. The team will commit to a 35-year lease and will cover all cost overruns. What is somewhat surprising is that the agreement calls for the 41,000-seat ballpark to be open in April 2011, which makes for an extremely tight deadline when you consider the ballpark site needs a fair amount of prep work in the form of Orange Bowl demolition: that may prove to be overly optimistic. The Marlins also scaled back on some of their other requests — they will not be receiving free office space from the city, and state funding is now completely off the table — but they will change their name to the Miami Marlins. The deal could be consummated as early as Thursday. More from the Miami Herald.
Solomon to buy Catfish
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Art Solomon, owner of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), and Rick Brenner have agreed to buy the Columbus Catfish (Low Class A; Sally League) from David Heller and will file a Control Interest Transfer as early as next week (Technically speaking, Solomon did not exercise his earlier option to buy the Catfish. That option expired last Friday without a sale being culminated.) Terms of the sale are not public, but we’re guessing the sale price went up in recent weeks after the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) announced a move to Gwinnett County: with an Eastern League assumed to be moving to Richmond at some point in the future, an unencumbered Sally League team would be a natural to move to, say, Erie. The question is whether the team stays at Golden Park in 2009 or moves to a new Bowling Green ballpark. Solomon has agreed to supply a team to a new 4,000-seat ballpark in downtown Bowling Green; the city has pledged $25 million in bonds (subject to state approval; we’ve been told; state approval is not guaranteed) and plans a ballpark opening in 2009. There are still several steps that need to be taken before that happens. First, as an existing owner in good stead, no one expects any issues with Solomon buying the team. But a move to Bowling Green is another issue: the market is small (the population is only 53,000 or so), and you need to go out quite a ways to reach 100,000. (Basically, you need to throw Owensboro in the mix to reach 100,000, and there’s a reason why some very sharp people in indy ball have focused on Owensboro, not Bowling Green, as a potential market.) Solomon will need to submit an analysis of how the move affects other teams, including potential schedules and travel costs, before the league signs off, and we’re already sensing opposition to the move among Sally League owners. (There are also owners who wholeheartedly support the move.) The bottom line is that a move to Bowling Green isn’t assured, but it is doable if Solomon really wants the market, and we suspect there are some other financial and investment issues at play here.
If the Catfish move, that leaves Columbus and Golden Park open. There’s little chance affiliated ball will return there — city officials have proven difficult to work with and put off needed repairs to the ballpark, even when a portion of the ballpark wall collapsed — so that leaves the independent South Coast League, whose officials would be more than happy to occupy a decent ballpark in a larger market. More from the Ledger-Enquirer.
Sarasota County offers $17.6 million toward Ed Smith Stadium renovation
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Sarasota County officials gave a solid signal they want the Cincinnati Reds to continue training at Ed Smith Stadium by committing $17.6 million toward a renovation of the spring-training complex. Whether the money will ever be spent is another issue: the Reds are in the midst of a 75-day exclusive negotiation period with Goodyear, Ariz., over a potential move to a new spring-training complex to be shared with the Cleveland Indians. It’s estimated that a renovation of Ed Smith Stadium would cost $41 million; the Reds would be expected to kick $10 million or so into the project, with the rest coming from other governmental entities. More from the Cincinnati Enquirer and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Carol Lee discusses the political realities surrounding the pursuit of the Reds.
New for 2008: Ottawa Rapids
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The new Ottawa team in the independent Can-Am Association will be known as the Rapids (or Rapides, for the French-speaking fans) and begin play on May 22, as the team hold a press conference today to announce the developments. The first manager of the team: Singing Ed Nottle.
Cost of new Twins ballpark rises by $22.4 million
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who has built anything — just ask Mr. Blandings. The cost of the new downtown Minneapolis Minnesota Twins ballpark has risen by $22.4 million, a cost the Twins will bear under the terms of their lease with Hennepin County. Team president Jerry Bell says the increased costs cover upgrades such as a better scoreboard and a soffit to cover the exposed beams of the canopy that hangs over the infield. (The soffit serves a dual purpose: it will hide steel beams that could rust and will discourage pigeons from taking up residence. Guess the Twins won’t need to be hanging those plastic owls in the grandstand.) The tab is now up to $412.4 million. As frequently happens, some other plans are changing, too. Some money that was going to be directed to helping the neighborhood and straighten out street congestion is being diverted elsewhere to cover infrastructure needs. In a quote we think he might wish to rephrase at some point, Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat said, "I know some neighbors will be a little disappointed, but [the county’s infrastructure share of] $90 million only goes so far." More from the Star Tribune.
MECA formally opposes new ballpark on its land
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In another sign a downtown Omaha ballpark proposal is falling apart, the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority board passed a resolution that says neither Lots C or E next to Qwest Event Center should be used for the ballpark. Board members say they had not been provided enough information about the ballpark proposal and were concerned about parking and traffic. The resolution passed easily — 4-1 — and shows how averse to the project the board is. Mayor Mike Fahey wants to see a new ballpark on Qwest Center land for use by the NCAA College World Series and the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), but with the MECA board opposing the proposal and the O-Royals fielding offers for new ballparks from other communities, it would appear the one-size-fits-all approach may not work. The more logical plan: renovate Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium for the NCAA College World Series and build a new downtown ballpark for the O-Royals, moves that can be done for $50 million less than what the mayor is proposing.
New for 2008: Steinbrenner Field
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Goodbye Legends Field, hello Steinbrenner Field. Hank and Hal Steinbrenner today announced that the New York Yankees will rename Legends Field, their spring-training facility, George M. Steinbrenner Field. The name change follows two unanimous resolutions recommending and supporting the change by the Hillsborough County Commission and the Tampa City Council.
In a joint statement Hank and Hal Steinbrenner said, "Speaking on behalf of the entire family, we couldn’t be more pleased about the fact that Legends Field will now become George M. Steinbrenner Field. We have been residents of Tampa for over 30 years, and we feel this is a terrific way to honor our father’s longstanding philanthropic commitment to Tampa. Our father has always made clear how much he values Tampa’s role in playing host to the New York Yankees’ spring-training and the Tampa Yankees. The outpouring of community support for this name change has been wonderful to watch, and we’re very grateful for the acknowledgement of his achievements and contributions it represents."
Giants make pitch for AT&T Park development
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With 16 acres next to AT&T Park in play after the city announced its availability for development, three groups, including one with the San Francisco Giants involved, announced their desire to participate. The city envisions converting parking lots to a mixed-use development involving shops, parks, entertainment, arts, housing and office buildings. The Giants plan, put together by the team and The Cordish Co., involves 875 housing units, 800,000 square feet of office space. a parking garage, a 5,000-seat music hall, an entertainment district, a 5-acre park and refurbished waterfront amenities. More from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Blaze not for sale — maybe
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Owner D.G. Elmore says the Bakersfield Blaze (High Class A; California League) isn’t for sale, as he turned away an offer to discuss a whole or partial sale of the team from Jonathan Fleisig. Fleisig owns the Bakersfield Condors hockey team and has in the past held an interest in other hockey and independent-baseball teams, including the New Haven County Cutters. Elmore says not much is up with the Blaze: there are no talks ongoing regarding a new ballpark. The Blaze finished last in Cal League attendance last season. More from the Bakersfield Californian.
Astros extends PDCs with Corpus Christi, Round Rock
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Houston Astros and Ryan-Sanders Baseball announced a two-year extension of the Player Development Contracts (PDC) between the Astros and two affiliates: Triple A Round Rock and Double A Corpus Christi. Both affiliates are under the Ryan-Sanders Baseball ownership group, and the contracts will run through the 2010 season. The move comes as Ryan-Sanders principal Nolan Ryan becomes president of the Texas Rangers.
New for 2008: Gesa Stadium
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Tri-City Dust Devils (short season; Northwest League) and Gesa Credit Union announced that the Dust Devils’ home ballpark will now be named Gesa Stadium. As part of the 10-year agreement, a minimum of $50,000 will be put back into the ballpark in improvements. The 12-year old facility is owned by the City of Pasco, and is used by many local groups in addition to serving as the Home of the Dust Devils. The Dust Devils have had the right to sell the title sponsorship of the stadium for the past four years, and that right is continued in the new 10-year lease that was recently signed by the City of Pasco and the Dust Devils. In addition to the stadium naming rights, Gesa’s title sponsorship package provides for a significant increase in the company’s presence at the ballpark. Fans will see multiple Gesa Stadium signs and enjoy new promotional and giveaway nights sponsored by Gesa Credit Union each year of the agreement.
Opposition to new Rays ballpark growing?
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Is opposition to a new $450-million waterfront ballpark on the Al Lang Field site increasing? The St. Pete Times says so, but there’s not much presented in the way of actual evidence, such as petition drives or attendance at community meetings. The issue is whether the city withheld information from citizens on the future of Al Lang Field last summer, before the Rays unveiled a ballpark proposal. City officials say they couldn’t discuss a new Rays ballpark in the context of Al Lang Field because there was no proposal on the table; citizens say the city withheld crucial information. It doesn’t sound like the future of Al Lang Field is really the concern of neighborhood activists; this is a vehicle to drum up opposition to the new ballpark. More from the St. Pete Times.
Renovations to AT&T Bricktown Ballpark under consideration
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett thinks AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, the home of the Oklahoma Redhawks (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), could be used more and is looking to hire Conventions Sports & Leisure International to look at potential improvements to the ballpark. In baseball terms, the ballpark is used fairly often: besides the Redhawks games, the ballpark costs college matches in the spring and the Triple-A championship series. More likely to happen: renovations at the 10-year-old facility to keep it looking fresh. More from The Oklahoman.
Luzerne County suspends efforts to oppose SWB Yankees sale
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Luzerne County has suspended efforts to oppose the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League), pending results of talks with a new Lackawanna County board. Luzerne County officials say they own half the team and are due half the proceeds of the sale; the former Lackawanna County board said this was not the case. More from the Citizens Voice. Meanwhile, Lackawanna County commissioners will begin reviewing five proposals for a professional baseball consultant to work on negotiations with SWB Yankees LLC and spearhead a study of PNC Field.
State approves $7 million grant for new Blue Crabs ballpark
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The state of Maryland has approved a $7 million grant for a new Waldorf ballpark currently under construction for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (independent; Atlantic League). The matching grant for Regency Furniture Stadium is bring financed by Charles County, the state and Maryland Baseball, the owner of the team. That group includes Peter Kirk and former Orioles great Brooks Robinson. More from Southern Maryland Online.
Funding for new Reno ballpark revised
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With the credit market contracting because of issues in the subprime world, financing of a new ballpark for the relocating Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) was revised, with Washoe County agreeing to provide up to $1.45 million in a reserve fund to back a private bond sale. SK Baseball, which is buying the team and overseeing the ballpark construction, says it will repay the money. More from the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Citi Field taking shape
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Citi Field, the new home of the New York Mets, is on schedule to open in the 2009 season. The signature item to the entrance, the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, is now halfway completed, and most of the façade on the south side of the ballpark is in place. The new ballpark will hold only 43,000, down from the 57,333 capacity at Shea Stadium, but there will be much more in the way of suites and premium seating. In one big change, the Mets announced the giant fiberglass big apple will be making the more from Shea Stadium. More from Newsday and the New York Times.
Cheney Stadium village proposal under consideration
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the idea of making Cheney Stadium, the historic home of the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), the centerpiece of a big redevelopment in Tacoma. Everything in the Cheney Stadium area — including the ballpark itself — would be under consideration as planners look at a mixed-use complex with housing and retail. It sounds like the city is eager to retain the Rainiers, and a local prominent developer sees the ballpark as the centerpiece of the redevelopment in Tacoma. More from the News Tribune.
Zell’s insistence on selling Cubs, park separately slowing sale
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Not a surprise if you’ve been following the sale of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field via this site. Sam Zell thinks he can maximize the asking price of the team and Wrigley Field if he breaks them apart, but by doing so he’s increased the complexity of the deal to the point where it’s doubtful a deal can be done this year. We’ve heard from one potential buyer that they’re directly requested to bid on both, only to be rebuffed in that effort. For the buyers, negotiations to sell Wrigley Field to the state slows things down and actually devalues the price of the franchise somewhat; you can’t budget for a buy without knowing what you’re buying. Complicating things: Zell will want to sell the team to the highest bidder, a process MLB doesn’t always follow. More from the Wall Street Journal.
ANC to provide new Orioles Park video screen
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Maryland Stadium Authority selected ANC Sports Enterprises to renovate the existing light emitting diode (LED) signage and video screen system at Orioles Park at Camden Yards with Mitsubishi Elect