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Summerlin Could Offer Solution for 51s

Las Vegas 51s

In the midst of their effort to replace Cashman Field, the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) could find a solution in Summerlin. 

The 51s have actively sought to replace Cashman Field with a new ballpark in suburban Las Vegas, with Summerlin being viewed as a viable option. Earlier this year the 51s laid the groundwork for a new facility in Summerlin, which called for a land donation from the Howard Hughes Corporation. That plan, however, stalled when concerns about its cost estimate arose.

Now some are wondering if a similar plan could be executed, but this time with the ballpark tied to a development that includes an NHL training facility. The NHL expansion franchise that will begin play in Las Vegas next fall is developing a training complex in Summerlin. As previously covered on our sister site Arena Digest, the vision for the training center is fairly ambitious, as it includes two rinks, allowing the community to be used by the community as well as the NHL franchise.

Adding a ballpark to the mix has become an intriguing proposition for developers, as it could trigger the creation of a sports complex and additional development. More from the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

It’s no secret that The Howard Hughes Corp., which owns the property and has leased the site of the hockey facility for 20 years to Black Knight Sports & Entertainment LLC — owner of the NHL franchise — would like to have the 51s playing in a baseball stadium next door.

There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is that Hughes Corp. is a one-half owner of the 51s baseball franchise. In fact, there’s a huge blueprint for development of the second phase of Downtown Summerlin hanging on one wall in the third-floor conference room of the Hughes Corp. headquarters at 10801 W. Charleston Blvd. On that layout is the area designated for a possible baseball stadium. And that area happens to be located just next door to the hockey practice facility.

So, Summerlin Sports Complex in the making?

Well, people in the know aren’t talking about a baseball stadium — at least not just yet. There are too many of those other things that still have to be settled, like who will pay for constructing it, and how much will it cost, despite the willingness of Hughes Corp. to donate the land, which it values at considerable millions of dollars.

The 51s have a lease at Cashman Field that runs through 2022. However, the team and the Pacific Coast League have both expressed a desire to construct a new ballpark sooner rather than later, citing the poor conditions of Cashman Field.

RELATED STORIES: Cost Concerns Stall 51s Ballpark Plan51s Still Pursuing New BallparkRickey: Cashman Field not long-term option for PCL;  Vegas: We’re not paying for new 51s ballpark; Las Vegas: We want to keep 51s; Sale of Las Vegas 51s finalized; new owners pitch Summerlin ballpark; Future of Vegas baseball in Summerlin?; Will new 51s lease yield new Las Vegas ballpark?; Short-term Cashman Field lease approved; future of ballpark still in doubt; Vegas delays 51s lease; future of Cashman Field in doubt

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