A lease extension to note: The Fayetteville SwampDogs (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) have agreed to terms with Cumberland County on a deal to continue playing at J.P. Riddle Stadium through the 2020 season.
The lease is a four-year extension followed by another four year term at the team option. The end of this lease will mark the 20th anniversary of the SwampDogs playing in Fayetteville.
Initially owned by the Coastal Plain League, Lew and Darrell Handelsman purchased the team in 2004, and the SwampDogs are the longest-tenured sports team in Fayetteville history, the SwampDogs are committed to remaining an active part of the community.
“The fans and our marketing partners are what make the Dogs so special,” said SwampDogs general manager Jeremy Aagard. “We look forward to being able to continue to contribute to wonderful charitable organizations in the area. Having that opportunity for 20 years is truly something special. We’re excited the county feels the same way we do.”
“My family and I are so excited to know the SwampDogs will be able to continue to pursue our goals in such a great community,” said Handelsman. “We appreciate all the hard work the county officials have put into upgrading the ballpark each year and are very excited for what’s to come. We’d like to thank all of our fans for their tremendous support over the last 13 years and look forward to many more.”
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