On Tuesday, Boise officials were presented with the results of a study concerning a proposed new downtown ballpark for the Boise Hawks (Short Season A; Northwest League) and other events.
In their effort to replace Memorial Stadium, the Hawks are looking to move into a new downtown ballpark that would be designed to host other events and act as a centerpiece for new development. USL has been prominently mentioned as a possible use in the past, and recent reports indicate that the facility could also host college baseball and soccer.
Conventions Sports and Leisure unveiled its study on the proposal to the Boise City Council on Tuesday, offering some key details. The facility would offer a seating capacity of around 5,000, with estimates calling for it to attract over 235,000 visitors annually across over 200 events. That includes the Hawks, soccer, collegiate sports, and other gatherings. In addition, a preliminary schedule calls for work on the ballpark to begin late next year, allowing it to open in 2020.
The effort has been billed as part of a larger development plan. In March, it was was revealed that Greenstone Properties–owned by Hawks co-owner Chris Schoen— reached terms with St. Luke’s Health System on an 11-acre property at the corner of Americana and Shoreline Drive envisioned as the facility’s site. The project is currently estimated to cost between $33-$45 million, but the financial details will have to be finalized. More from The Idaho Statesman:
Schoen would have to finance both the stadium’s construction and the surrounding $60 million of private development, for a combined total of about $100 million, city spokesman Mike Journee said. He would be reimbursed after construction for the cost of the stadium.
The city would put up $3 million, according to a rough plan the stakeholders have formulated. The Greater Boise Auditorium District, which taxes hotel room rentals, would add $5 million. Greenstone would pay $1 million and donate the four acres where the stadium would be built.
Boise’s urban renewal agency would borrow the rest of the money.
The urban renewal agency’s yearly payment is estimated to be around $2 million, and is expected to be covered by two sources. One would be the annual rent paid by Hawks owner Agon Sports & Entertainment, which be valued at $1 million in the first year and increase in subsequent years. The remainder of the debt would be covered by property tax revenue from commercial and residential development in the area.
Rendering courtesy Boise Hawks.
RELATED STORIES: Key Land Parcel Acquired for New Boise Hawks Ballpark; Boise Hawks Continue to Pursue New Ballpark; New Boise Hawks Ballpark in the Works; Could Pro Soccer Hold Key to New Boise Ballpark?; New Boise owners: Yes, we need a new ballpark; Boise Hawks sold to Eiseman, Schoen; Cubs: We’ll drop Boise affiliation without new ballpark; Hawks GM: Boise can’t support Triple-A ball; Boise still in the crosshairs of PCL?; Ricketts: Boise’s Memorial Stadium is substandard; Boise as Triple-A market? There’s talk; Boise ballpark search to focus on downtown sites; Boise in search of new ballpark site; Memorial Stadium / Boise Hawks