Discussions continue on a lease extension for the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League), who are looking to reach a new agreement.
Currently, the Slammers have a lease with the City of Joliet that is set to end on September 30. The club has been working with the city to renew the lease, and is eyeing ballpark improvements in the process.
Perhaps the biggest change on the table is the switch from natural grass to an artificial turf playing surface. If that project goes forward, the turf would be installed in time for the Slammers’ 2018 season and potentially allow the ballpark to host more events.
The Slammers and the city are continuing to discuss the parameters of a lease extension, as well as the installation of the new playing surface. More from The Herald-News:
“We have been negotiating with the city, and we are expecting a successful conclusion,” Slammers owner Nick Semaca said.
The Slammers’ lease is on the agenda Tuesday for the newly renamed Joliet City Council Stadium Committee.
Formerly named the Baseball Committee, the new name reflects the expectation that the stadium will host many events beyond baseball once artificial turf is installed. The city expects to add artificial turf before the start of the 2018 baseball season.
Another change down the road could be to the ballpark’s name. Last year, the Slammers announced that they were seeking a new naming rights partner for Silver Cross Field and their search for a sponsor continues.