There is now uncertainty surrounding a proposed Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) ballpark in the Shipyard, as a major component of the project is in doubt.
The plan for a new ballpark in Green Bay calls for the Bullfrogs to play at a facility that is constructed as part of the Shipyard project. Shipyard is a proposed downtown development plan that would come with other features, including an Anduzzi’s restaurant and a 2,000-person capacity concert hall led by Festival Foods president and CEO Mark Skogen.
Skogen, however, recently indicated that he has not settled on Green Bay as the site for the concert hall, and could move forward with another option if the city does not make more progress on the Shpyard. Some local officials are expressing doubts about the Shipyard’s viability without the concert hall, raising questions as to whether the project will move forward.
Green Bay mayor Jim Schmitt voiced his frustration with the city council, citing issues with a recent amendment to the plan. Some aldermen, however, suggested that the mayor should shoulder part of the blame. More from FOX 11:
The agreement Schmitt is alluding to is for the stadium portion of the Shipyard proposal. One key change the council made to the deal is requiring development agreements with both Anduzzi’s and Skogen before the end of the year.
Aldermen Guy Zima and Chris Wery believe the council proved their support through a 9 to 3 vote for the amended development agreement.
“We’ve already shown that we’re interested,” said Wery. “I don’t know why it’s off the rails now.”
The aldermen point to the fact that Skogen’s concert hall hasn’t been brought to the council yet for a vote. They say Schmitt is partly to blame because they say his office controls all development proposals.
The Bullfrogs and parent company Big Top Baseball have pitched the ballpark as a venue that could host multiple types of events in addition to baseball, with soccer and outdoor concerts among the possibilities. A new ballpark would replace Joannes Stadium as the Bullfrogs’ home.
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