Hillsboro Mayor Jerry Willey says his city has received approval from the Yakima Bears and the Northwest League on a term sheet for a new ballpark, paving the way for final approval June 26.
The Bears and the Northwest League have not confirmed Willey’s statement, made today during an online chat sponsored by The Oregonian.
If there is indeed an agreement — and we have no reason to believe there is not — and a final lease approved, a new ballpark could open for the 2013 season. Two more bodies need to weigh in: Minor League Baseball, which will review any agreement, and Major League Baseball also has a chance to veto (but it’s never happened).
The new $15.2-million facility will be built on city-owned land at the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex.
Groundbreaking of the ballpark is tentatively set for October, with a June 2013 opening planned. Hoffman Construction will design and build the new facility. The Bears’ lease in Yakima runs through 2015 but can be broken if the team pays a penalty
Image courtesy of Hillsboro.
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