The Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) took a major step toward a new ballpark on Tuesday, when the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority approved a 20-year, $80 million naming-rights agreement.
As noted here on Sunday, LVCVA officials were to consider a 20-year, $80-million naming-rights deal with Clark County Las Vegas Stadium LLC, the 51s owner, for a new ballpark in Downtown Summerlin. Howard Hughes Corp. has been working on a new ballpark to be located next to City National Arena, the training facility for the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights in Downtown Summerlin, a 1.8-million-square-foot retail and office complex.
For the 51s, a new ballpark would represent a culmination of the effort to secure a modern replacement for Cashman Field, their current downtown Las Vegas ballpark that opened in 1983. The LVCVA board moved forward with the proposal on Tuesday by approving the naming rights agreement for what will be named Las Vegas Ballpark. More from the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
Debate on the stadium deal issue lasted about 1½ hours and ended in an affirmative vote opposed by Las Vegas Councilman Ricki Barlow and North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee. Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Clark County Commissioner Larry Brown, who works for the 51s, abstained.
The contract’s approval will position the LVCVA as the dominant sponsor of what is envisioned as a 10,000-seat stadium adjacent to the City National Arena, the training center for the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Howard Hughes Corp. presented more details on the project. The ballpark is expected to seat 10,000 and feature a wide array of seating options, including 22 suites, along with berm seating, club seats, party decks, and more. It is also expected to feature some unique amenities, including a pool beyond the outfield wall. The ballpark is being designed by HOK and could open as early as the 2019 season.
“Together, we have worked tirelessly to bring this much needed initiative to fruition for the benefit and enjoyment of the entire Southern Nevada community,” David R. Weinreb, Chief Executive Officer of The Howard Hughes Corporation, said in the announcement. “The ballpark will further distinguish Downtown Summerlin as a vibrant destination and give valley residents a first-class amenity and the opportunity to enjoy professional baseball in an inviting and family-friendly environment.”
“Home of City National Arena and the Vegas Golden Knights, Downtown Summerlin is adding yet another feather to its cap with the addition of the Las Vegas Ballpark and the Las Vegas 51s,” Kevin T. Orrock, President, Summerlin, The Howard Hughes Corporation, said in the statement. “Already considered a top dining, retail and entertainment hub, Downtown Summerlin is on its way to becoming an unmatched sports destination. We could not be more excited to add baseball to our line-up.”
“The 51s baseball team has been a staple in the Las Vegas community for over three decades,” Don Logan, President/COO of the 51s, said in the statement. “With a new home in Downtown Summerlin, the future of professional baseball in Southern Nevada looks exceptionally bright. We are confident this location, which is easily accessed from all regions of the valley via the 215 Beltway, will help grow our fan base and introduce new generations to America’s favorite past time. We can’t wait to put down roots in Downtown Summerlin, a destination that already has a reputation for best in fun, family-oriented entertainment.”
Renderings courtesy HOK.
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