Later this week, Rhode Island officials will hold their first hearing on a proposed Pawtucket ballpark for the Pawtucket Red Sox (Class AAA; International League).
The current proposal for the PawSox in Pawtucket calls for the construction of a new ballpark on the site of an Apex department store. Under the financial terms for the $83 million project, the PawSox will pay $45 million ($12 million upfront, the rest paybacks on money borrowed by the Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency), Rhode Island will contribute $23 million (with Pawtucket committed to paying the money back), and the city will pay $15 million.
The Rhode Island Senate Finance Committee is set to begin its consideration of the proposal. An initial hearing will be held on Thursday, September 14, with more discussion expected to take place over the coming months. More from the AP:
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio has said he’s aiming for a November vote on the plan.
The PawSox say the team’s longtime home, McCoy Stadium, is out of date.
Other public hearings are scheduled over the next several weeks in communities throughout the state.
Pawtucket is not the only community that has been connected to the team, as Worcester, MA officials have shown some interest in luring the PawSox to their city. The PawSox’s lease at McCoy Stadium runs through the 2020 season.
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