Reps from both the city and the Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) say they’re close to a final lease agreement for a new downtown ballpark.
The two sides have been negotiating for weeks on a lease, and there seems to be little doubt that an agreement will be reached, especially after an anonymous donor pledged $15 million toward the project. The $30-million ballpark is expected to open for the 2014 season.
“We’re working towards an agreement that’s fair for everyone, is workable for everyone, and above all, is going to create a wonderful asset for our community for many years to come,” said Suns minority owner Tony Dahbura after he and City Council members met in executive session. “Of course, the city needs to complete its due diligence with the public to make sure that as many people as possible are comfortable and knowledgeable about the future and what is going on.”
To bring home the point that a new ballpark is needed and Municipal Stadium not suitable as the long-term home of Minor League Baseball, the city is hosting tours of the ballpark and focusing on the areas the public usually doesn’t see.
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