A new request for proposals (RFP) has been released for professional event operators to coordinate and manage events at Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of the Staten Island Yankees (Short Season A; NY-Penn League).
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), which released the RFP, is aiming to expand the ballpark’s use beyond the Yankees’ 38-game season with new community, entertainment, charitable and sporting events. Responses to the RFP must be submitted by September 5.
“Many know and love Richmond County Bank Ballpark for baseball, but with its incredible waterfront views, convenient location and vibrancy, the stadium should be enjoyed by New Yorkers and visitors year-round,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. “As the North Shore continues its renaissance, we look forward to growing event and programming capabilities at the stadium as a result of this initiative.”
Located next to the St. George Ferry Terminal, the borough’s main transportation hub, the stadium is adjacent to several new major waterfront development projects in the area that are bringing new residents, visitors, workers and businesses to the neighborhood who will benefit from the additional events and activities. These projects include Empire Outlets, New York’s first and only outlet mall, which opened in May, and, Lighthouse Point, a mixed-used development featuring residential, hotel, dining and office space that is currently under construction at the site of the historic U.S. Lighthouse Service.
“I am grateful to see this effort to fully utilize the prime real estate of the Richmond County Ballpark for year-round use,” said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo. “I look forward to the proposals from this RFP process that will aim to bring energy and economic activity to the stadium and provide good, old-fashioned enjoyment for all Staten Islanders.”
“Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of our Staten Island Yankees, is a neighborhood asset with potential to serve the North Shore throughout the year,” said Council Member Debi Rose. “As our renaissance continues to move forward, the release of this RFP is an important step toward better utilizing this asset, offering the potential for new opportunities for more Staten Islanders and visitors alike to enjoy this beautiful waterfront space.”
“Staten Island Community Board 1 is pleased that NYCEDC is issuing an RFP to provide a vendor to bring additional activities to the Staten Island Yankees Stadium,” said Nicholas Siclari, Chairman of Staten Island Community Board 1. “For too long, the Stadium has gone unused when there are so many opportunities to engage the community with events that would not only benefit the Stadium and Empire Outlets but also the downtown St. George neighborhood. Moreover, regular events at the field will provide a wonderful entrance to the new Bay Street Corridor.”
“The Staten Island Yankees appreciate the partnership and work of the New York City Economic Development Corporation,” said Will Smith, President of the Staten Island Yankees. “We are extremely excited about the possibility of additional events being programmed at Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. It’s a beautiful venue with breathtaking views of the New York Harbor, the perfect backdrop for any event. We welcome the opportunity to work closely with additional Event Operators to maximize use of the facility in our Staten Island community.”