Though a proposal to convert their home ballpark to an amphitheater has not been finalized, the Bridgeport Bluefish (independent; Atlantic League) will not wait to make a decision on their future.
Bridgeport officials have proceeded with discussions on a proposal from developer Howard Saffan and concert promoter Live Nation, who are looking to convert The Ballpark at Harbor Yard into a amphitheater. Several steps will need to be finalized for the ballpark redevelopment to move forward, including the completion of a contract that will require approval from the city council.
The Bluefish, however, are making it clear that they are not going to wait for the city council to debate the proposal before lining up their plans for beyond the remainder of the 2017 season In fact, team owner Frank Boulton has indicated that he is fielding calls and visiting other cities that are interested in landing the club. More from the CT Post:
Fish owner Frank Boulton, however, in an interview Friday did not sound like he was waiting for final votes and the ink to dry.
“I’ve been shown the door,” Boulton said. “When the mayor and (Economic Development Director) Tom Gill tell me their (selection) committee selected the amphitheater, thanks for your 20 years, we’ll see you later, all I asked was I have time at the end of the season to move out.”
“I’m still here. We have 20 games,” Boulton added, “But I’m definitely fielding calls and visiting different places that want to host the Bluefish.”
“I’m not going to sit around and wait for them (the City Council) to debate the validity of this proposal,” Boulton said. “I’ve got to think in the best interest of the Atlantic League and ownership, of my partners and of this team.”
As noted, an agreement with Saffan and Live Nation has still not been finalized. The AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, who play in and operate the adjacent Webster Bank Arena, have raised concerns about the redevelopment plan, saying it would violate the terms of their lease, which contains a noncompete clause prohibiting any city activity impacting event revenues. The arena has hosted several high-profile performances over the years, including the likes of Elton John and Bruce Springsteen.
RELATED STORIES: Sound Tigers Oppose Bridgeport Ballpark Conversion to Amphitheater; Bluefish Out of Ballpark at Harbor Yard; Changes Pitched for Ballpark at Harbor Yard; Future of Ballpark at Harbor Yard: Baseball, Soccer, Concerts?