Years after voters rejected a proposed property-tax hike for a new waterfront ballpark, desire remains for Wilmington, NC to land an affiliated Minor League Baseball team. (more…)
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After overwhelming defeat at polls, don’t look for MiLB in Wilmington any time soon
After Wilmington (N.C.) voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposed property-tax hike for a new waterfront ballpark, elected officials and baseball people say there probably will be no further efforts to bring MiLB to the city. The proposal was for a new ballpark funded by taxpayers: $31 million for the ballpark and $6 million for the land. […]
Still no final numbers for Wilmington ballpark; talks continue
Wilmington (N.C.) officials say they’re dedicated to a new-ballpark budget under $40 million, but talks between the city and Mandalay Baseball Properties continue over the parameters of a deal. The two sides are working on a proposal for a public funded new facility to be managed by Mandalay and occupied by the relocating Lynchburg Hillcats […]
No ballpark money in upcoming Wilmington budget
An unsettled situation became even more unsettled today, as a proposed 2013 budget for Wilmington (N.C.) lacks any money for a new ballpark for an Atlanta Braves farm team. The budget, unveiled during a work session this morning, does include a small tax hike to pay for infrastructure (roads, sidewalks) improvements. But in the face […]
Mayor slams Wilmington ballpark financing proposal
Wilmington (N.C.) Mayor Bill Saffo has come out against the current financing proposal for a new ballpark, saying the proponents don’t have enough “skin in the game.” In an interview with a local conservative talk-radio host, Saffo blasted the plan: “Pardon the pun here; we’re putting all of our skin into the game and they […]
Proposed Wilmington lease: Mandalay will pay 12 percent of debt service
In first discussions about a lease for a new Wilmington (N.C.) ballpark, Mayor Bill Saffo has floated the idea that Mandalay Baseball Properties would pay 12 percent of the overall debt service associated with the Class A facility. Wilmington has entered into exclusive negotiations with Mandalay and the Atlanta Braves over the finances of the […]
Wilmington to discuss new Braves ballpark tomorrow night
A proposed Wilmington (N.C.) ballpark will be on the agenda for the City Council tomorrow night, though there will be no vote on the plan. Specifically, according to the city Website, the council will discuss: Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Mandalay Baseball Properties, LLC (MBP) and the Atlanta […]
Wilmington looks at development deal with Braves, Mandalay
The off-again, on-again Wilmington (N.C.) ballpark project is back on, as the city is reviewing a potential memorandum of understanding for a ballpark development with the Atlanta Braves and Mandalay Baseball Properties. The potential economic deal was announced at a press conference today. The proposal is for a 6,000-seat, $35-million to $40-million ballpark near the […]