A new spring-training plan from the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals is expected in coming weeks, as the pair makes a run at a new site in West Palm Beach.
We have the full details on our sister site, Spring Training Online. Basically, the pair are looking at the former site of a garbage dump at Haverhill Road and 45th Street as the location of a new joint spring-training complex. The Nats have made other proposal for a spring-training site in Palm Beach County, only to see them shot down because of proximity to schools or protected wetlands. No concerns like that here.
There will be two issues at play. First, the city needs to acquire the site; it’s currently county land, and there have been discussions about a land swap that would clear the way for the complex development. Second, a funding plan needs to be worked out. While there’s state money available for a complex after a state program was approved to financially support sports facilities, some other form of public assistance will likely be requested.
The Washington Nationals currently train at Viera’s Space Coast Stadium and have signaled their determination to move to a location closer to other spring-training sites. The Houston Astros train at Kissimmee’s Osceola County Stadium and want a new complex with upgraded facilities. The goal for both teams is a 2017 opening, so a game plan needs to be finalized before the end of the year.
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