The Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League) have been sold to minority owners Bob and Marcie Zlotnik, though Opening Day Partners will continue to be responsible for lease payments on Constellation Field.
The Zlotniks have been part of the Skeeters ownership group since the beginning, owning a third of the team and buying original naming rights to Constellation Field through their energy firm, StarTex Power. The purchase, as approved by the Sugar Land City Council, gives the Zlotniks control of SL Baseball, LLC.
“We are thrilled that the success of our team and stadium has resulted in local ownership,” said Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson in a statement. “We are looking forward to working more closely with the Zlotniks and believe their local presence and passion for baseball will be of great benefit to Sugar Land.”
“Marcie and I are incredibly excited to continue our relationship with the Skeeters and to further partner with the entire Sugar Land community,” said Bob Zlotnik in a statement. “In just three short years, Constellation Field has become a well-recognized destination entertainment location, and we look forward to it continuing to set the standard for quality professional minor league baseball.”
As stated, Opening Day Partners is still responsible for lease payments on Constellation Field. The ballpark was originally funded via sales tax devoted to economic development via the Sugar Land 4B Corporation. Attendance at the ballpark is healthy: A recent report showed attendance for all events exceeded expectations in 2014 by 62 percent, an increase of 20,000 visitors over last year. Besides the Skeeters leading the Atlantic League in attendance, Constellation Field also realized another significant increase in usage for special events in 2014 with more than 98,000 attendees for non-baseball events that included festivals, charity events, sports tournaments, company events and corporate meetings.
The sale probably puts an end to Opening Day Partners seeking a second Atlantic League team in Texas, though the sale was described to us as part of ODP’s long-term plan.