In an early but significant step, the Green Bay City Council has approved the term sheet for a new downtown ballpark for the Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League).
Recently the Bullfrogs and parent company Big Top Baseball revised an earlier plan for a downtown ballpark. While keeping the same site and multi-use concept, the Bullfrogs increased their proposed rent payment to $4.5 million over 20 years and added additional private investment in the area surrounding the facility.
Approving the term sheet is an early step for Green Bay. Development terms are still among the tasks that need to be finalized, but Tuesday’s vote puts discussions back on track. More from WSAU:
The council also approved a term sheet to build a multi-use downtown outdoor stadium on the western edge of the Fox River.
An Anduzzi’s restaurant and an indoor concert venue are also a part of the project, which would create a new entertainment district called The Shipyard.
Vern Stenman is President of Big Top Baseball, which owns the Green Bay Bullfrogs.
“I think we actually got some votes at the end of the day that we didn’t actually expect to be with us at the start. I think it shows the council’s flexibility and open mindedness to try to figure a project out.”
For upfront costs, the terms of the deal call for the City of Green Bay to borrow $8 million with the Bullfrogs kicking in an additional $1 million.
RELATED STORIES: Bullfrogs Present Revised Ballpark Pitch; Green Bay to Discuss New Bullfrogs Ballpark Proposal; Bullfrogs Ballpark Proposal Moves Forward