A group led by Stephen Bronfman will survey fans on what they want in a new Montreal ballpark, marking another step in the pursuit of a Major League Baseball team.
Of late, there has been more news surrounding the effort to bring Montreal its first MLB franchise since the Expos relocated to Washington after the 2004 season. Bronfman and fellow investor Mitch Garber met with Montreal mayor Valérie Plante earlier this month, and she indicated after their meeting that she is in on any plan that will provide good economic and social development to her city.
Still, there are some ways to go before any plans for a new Montreal ballpark and team could become a reality. As it works on that process, the group led by Bronfman is tapping CSL to run focus groups that will take place next month. More from The Canadian Press:
CSL has conducted other similar surveys for professional sports organizations in North America. Subjects to be studied include everything from the price of tickets to the fan experience to what kind of food should be available at concessions.
The survey is part of preparatory work by the investors to prepare a file for eventual presentation to MLB, which has not requested such an exercise.
Keep in mind that any discussion at this point is preliminary, as MLB is not expected to undertake serious expansion discussions until the ballparks searches of the Oakland A’s and Tampa Bay Rays are resolved. Both the A’s and Rays have some hurdles to clear in their ongoing efforts, but for now the teams are working on plans to remain in their respective markets. That said, Bronfman and Garber are very clearly attempting to lay the groundwork for a new ballpark and team, and feedback from prospective fans could inform that process.
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