Global Spectrum and SMG are vying to manage the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, home of the Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League), with the decision generating some controversy.
The city wants to sign a contract with Global Spectrum to manage the ballpark, Veterans Memorial Arena and EverBank Field, home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. All three facilities are in the same geographic location.
However, the Jags are throwing a monkey wrench into the proceedings: they’re working to make SMG, which currently manages the NFL stadium, manager of all three venues. In the end, neither company may end up with a unified management contract if the Jags and the city don’t agree.
“We respect the City’s right in the process of selecting a stadium manager,” said Dan Edwards, the Jaguars Senior VP for Communications. “As stated in the RFP, unless the city and the Jaguars agree the process has failed with regard to EverBank Field. We will await the Mayor’s final decision.”
Global Spectrum currently manages AutoZone Park and the Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League).
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