An aggressive construction schedule and quick city approval of a financing plan could lead to an April 2015 opening of a new Columbia (S.C.) ballpark, according to veteran MiLB operator Jason Freier. Freier, who owns the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Low Class A; Midwest League) and the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) and […]
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Freier to attend Columbia ballpark discussion
Veteran minor-league owner Jason Freier will be on hand tonight for a Columbia (S.C.) City Council discussion about a proposed ballpark development. Freier, whose Hardball Capital owns the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Low Class A; Midwest League) and the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) and was instrumental in the Parkview Field development that […]
This year should determine fate of Sand Gnats
After five years of working on a new-ballpark strategy, it appears 2014 will be a make-or-break year for the future of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) in the city. Jason Freier of Hardball Capital, owner of the Sand Gnats, has been approaching city leaders for years now, lobbying for a new […]
More development emerging near Fort Wayne ballpark
The next time someone claims ballparks can’t spur economic development, send them to Fort Wayne, where yet another round of development near Parkview Field is in the works. Anyone who spent time in downtown Fort Wayne knows what a wasteland the ballpark area was before the ownership of the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Low Class A; […]
Mets, Gnats extend affiliation
The Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) and the New York Mets extended their player-development contract (PDC) through the 2014 season. “We’re pleased to have the New York Mets back with us to continue our partnership and the development of future major leaguers here in Savannah,” said Sand Gnats President John Katz. “The Mets have […]
Savannah officials: let’s look at arena/ballpark complex
Savannah officials are warming to a new downtown ballpark for the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League), but remain committed to an arena as part of the project. The issue: in 2006 approved a sales tax for a new downtown arena. One proposal has the proceeds of that local sales tax diverted to […]
In Savannah, don’t underestimate Freier when it comes to new ballpark
He pulled off new-ballpark construction against some daunting odds in Fort Wayne, so don’t underestimate efforts by Sand Gnats owner Jason Freier to build a new facility in Savannah. Those of us with longer memories can recall the obstacles faced by Hardball Capital’s Freier as he put together a funding plan for Parkview Field, the home […]
Savannah officials to visit Fort Wayne ballpark
If this doesn’t convince Savannah officials about the need for a new ballpark, nothing will: The City Council will visit Parkview Field, home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Low Class A; Midwest League). Hardball Capital, which owns both the TinCaps and the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League), has been working on a […]
Parkview Field stimulating millions in downtown Fort Wayne investment
We’re always a little loathe to pitch new ballparks as an economic-development tool, but in Fort Wayne we have a great model for what a new facility can do: Parkview Field, the home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Low Class A; Midwest League), has attracted tens of millions in investments and revitalized the downtown area. […]