Top Menu

Nats: We’re still interested in Fort Myers — if spring complex is upgraded

Washington NationalsWashington Nationals front-office personnel told Lee County reps the team was interested in moving spring-training operations to City of Palms Park — if the ballpark was upgraded, to the tune of $45 million or more.

With the Nats unwilling to commit to Viera’s Space Coast Stadium and openly seeking a new spring home, a move to Fort Myers to City of Palms Park and a nearby training complex would seem to be a natural. But many of the reasons why the Boston Red Sox moved away from City of Palms Park remain true today, which means upgrades would be needed to lure the Nats. Lee County reps visited Washington this week to gauge the team’s interest a money and were given a list of desired ballpark improvements. These would cost between $45 million and $60 million, and the Nats warned county officials they wouldn’t move without the improvements already in place:

“We’re limited here with what we can afford, ” said [Assistant County Manager of Public Works Doug] Meurer said. “We presented where we’re at, and what revenue is available, and discussed looking at alternative sources of funding.”

The improvements the Nationals want were estimated to be around $45 million to $60 million based on previous discussions. Meurer wouldn’t comment on a dollar amount for the upgrades, but said they’re no different than what any other team wants.

Meurer said they want player development facilities that other teams have, better fitness equipment, better recovery and rehabilitation, more space, an additional practice field downtown and fan enhancements in the stadium.  Meurer said he couldn’t get into specifics.

These are the same things the Red Sox identified as being areas of concern before the decision was made to build JetBlue Park. And while the need is the same, Lee County doesn’t have too much cash lying around for spring training: spending $15 million on Hammond Stadium and Lee County Sports Complex upgrades for the Minnesota Twins (the state will pick up the other $15 million of the $30-million or so project) will tap out tourism funds. There’s not a lot left in the well, and the strategy for Lee County was to convince the Nats how better off the team would be in Fort Myers.

In the next few weeks, commissioners will be asked about their stances on the Nats and any potential funding ideas.

RELATED STORIES: Pro baseball an endangered species in Viera?Twins, Lee County negotiating over player dorms, naming rights at spring-training complexTwins sign 30-year spring-training lease extensionLee County: Twins spring-training improvements hinge on state grant;Twins present spring-training wish list to Lee County; Lee County to Nats: We really, really love youIf Nats leave Viera, will other teams follow?Lee County commissioner: “50-50” chance Nats will move spring ops to Fort MyersLee County, Nats to meet about spring trainingLee County applying for state ballpark-improvement grantLerner: Fort Myers is tops on our spring-training wish listGammons: Nats present spring-training wish list to Lee CountyIs Nats, Brevard County marriage over?Nats go public with desire for new spring-training facilityNats, Astros eying new Osceola County spring-training complexCould Cards, Marlins leave Treasure Coast?Kasten: Nats definitely looking for new spring home

—-

Share your news with the baseball community. Send it to us at editors@augustpublications.com.

Are you a subscriber to the weekly Ballpark Digest newsletter? You can sign up for a free subscription at the Newsletter Signup Page.

Join Ballpark Digest on Facebook and on Twitter!

Follow Ballpark Digest on Google + and add us to your circles!

, , , , , , , ,