Given that it’s almost August and there’s no ballpark financing in place, much less ground broken on a new facility, it’s increasingly looking like the Southern League won’t be arriving in Biloxi until 2015. True, there’s been a lot of work on the project behind the scenes: the city has solicited bonds to pay for […]
Tag Archives | 2015
Fredericksburg: We need better deal from Suns
After a marathon session featuring passionate folks pro and con, the Fredericksburg City Council voted to seek a better deal from the Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) on a new-ballpark deal. The proposal has the city financing the $29.5-million project with team rent, increased property taxes in the ballpark area, ticket surcharges and […]
Yankees to invest in MLS team
The New York Yankees are investing in an expansion Major League Soccer franchise and could host the team at Yankee Stadium while a new soccer-specific facility is planned. The Yankees will own between 20 and 25 percent of New York City Football Club (putting up a chunk of the $100-million expansion fee), with Manchester City, […]
Saints ballpark renderings released; environmental study approved
The City of St. Paul has concluded a basic environmental assessment of the site for a proposed St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) ballpark will suffice, paving the way for detailed planning to begin. At the same time, the city released some renderings of the ballpark plan, revealing a much more conventional design than originally […]
West Virginia Legislature approves Morgantown TIF funding
As expected, the West Virginia Legislature approved a $96-million TIF district for Morgantown, paving the way for a new ballpark for West Virginia University and a short-season NY-Penn League team. The proposed TIF district legislation died when the Legislature adjourned Saturday night. But with other important pieces of legislation still on the table as well, […]
Ottawa revamps ballpark funding plan
Realizing the original lease proposal for a Class AA Eastern League team was totally unrealistic, Ottawa city officials are looking at raising more money locally for Ottawa Stadium upgrades. The original deal, hammered out by the city and Beacon Sports, called for a team to invest millions to upgrade the ballpark to Double-A standards, with […]
NY-Penn League announces franchise move to Morgantown
The short-season-A New York-Penn League announced plans to place a team in a new Morgantown (W.Va.) ballpark to be shared with the West Virginia Mountaineers, beginning with the 2015 season. The new ballpark is expected to break ground in 2014 with a New York-Penn League club potentially playing its first game at the new facility […]
Oakland, Mesa reach final agreement on HoHoKam Park move
It’s close to official: the city of Mesa and the Oakland A’s have reached agreement on a lease for HoHoKam Park beginning in 2015, subject to approval from the City Council on Monday. The deal calls for at least $20 million in renovations for the current spring home of the Chicago Cubs, slated to move […]
Did bidding process save money on new Saints ballpark? City says no
Though the end contract with Ryan Companies to design and build a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) ballpark came in $500,000 under original estimates, St. Paul officials say a competitive bid process didn’t actually save any money. City of St. Paul officials initially awarded the design/build contract to Ryan on a no-bid basis, […]
Silber: We’re close to naming-rights deal on P-Nats ballpark
Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) owner Art Silber says he’s close to a naming-rights deal for a proposed new ballpark at Potomac Town Center. From InsideNOVA: At the Jan. 20 dinner, Silber said several businesses are interested in the potential 10-year naming rights deal. He wouldn’t say which businesses he’s courting, but said […]
It’s official: Cincinnati awarded 2015 MLB All-Star Game
The Cincinnati Reds and Great American Ball Park will host the 2015 All-Star Game, with MLB Commissioner Bud Selig making the announcement at a Queen City press conference today. “I am very pleased to award the 2015 All-Star Game to the Reds and the great fans of Cincinnati,” Selig said. “The Midsummer Classic will be […]
Cincinnati to host 2015 All-Star Game: report
The Cincinnati Reds and Great American Ball Park will host the 2015 All-Star Game, according to a report in the Cincinnati Enquirer. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig is slated to hold a press conference on Wednesday, ostensibly to discuss baseball’s ongoing efforts to build and renovate playing fields in inner cities. He will then announce the […]
Padres pitching for future All-Star Game
The new San Diego Padres owners are making their mark on the franchise in multiple ways, with the most recent move being a pitch to host a future All-Star Game at Petco Park. The Padres have twice hosted All-Star Games, both times at Jack Murphy Stadium/Qualcomm Stadium. Petco Park has never hosted a match, as […]