The Green Bay Bullfrogs will put more than $17,000 into Joannes Stadium in lieu of rent, but owner Jeffrey Royle says the long-term goal is still a new ballpark in the area.The Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) will put more than $17,000 into Joannes Stadium in lieu of rent, but owner Jeffrey Royle says the long-term goal is still a new ballpark in the area.
The issue: Joannes Stadium is a very old facility, dating back to the days when Frank Howard played minor-league ballpark there. And while the Bullfrogs have put in more than $200,000 in ballpark improvements since setting up shop three years ago, Joannes Stadium is to small and land-locked to accomodate future growth.
Hence the call for a new ballpark, either in downtown Green Bay or neighboring Ashwaubenon.
Green Bay city officials say they’ll work with Royle on a new ballpark, but want to see a plan for 100 or more events there to justify a $10-$15-million price tag. The Bullfrogs play only 33 home games, and expanding that schedule could be a challenge for Royle and crew.
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