A regional ballpark authority with the ability to collect taxes could be the key in the Tampa Bay Rays landing a new ballpark — but it’s far from clear whether all cities in the area would want to participate. There’s one given when it comes to public funding of large projects: by increasing the number […]
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San Jose to sell A’s ballpark land at a huge loss
San Jose officials are so eager to land the Oakland Athletics that they’re willing to sell Lew Wolff land for less than half it’s worth on the open market. The deal would sell about five acres of prime downtown land for $6.9 million. San Jose paid $25.1 million for the six parcels of land over the […]
Theo: Don’t expect miracles at Wrigley Field
In his initial press conference as president of the Chicago Cubs, Theo Epstein downplayed expectations for an immediate turnaround and instead stressed continued success via a solid foundation. Indeed, today’s press conference was less about 2012 and more about establishing a good farm system and promoting a “Cubs Way” of how players approach their craft. […]
ISFA: Boy, did the White Sox get a sweet lease for The Cell
The Chicago White Sox may have a valid lease for U.S. Cellular Field running though 2029, but that’s not stopping the Illinois Sports Facility Authority from reevaluating its relationship with the team. The team’s lease is pretty simple: the team pays $1.5 million a year and controls all revenue from ticket sales, concessions, parking and […]
Mets already reconfiguring Citi Field: report
The New York Mets aren’t wasting any time in reconfiguring the outfield fences at Citi Field, moving them in and taking out some of the irregular quirks in the fenceline, according to a published report. MetsBlog is reporting the new distances have already been laid out on the Citi Field turf, with the fences moved […]
Dodgers lower season-ducat costs for 2012
The Los Angeles Dodgers, operating under a cloud as owner Frank McCourt and MLB fight it out in court, go on the offensive by lowering season-ticket pricing for 2012. That 2011 was a very miserable year for one of baseball’s flagship franchises is an understatement: announced attendance was down some 18 percent, to 36,236 per […]
Mayor, Council differ on approach to Rays ballpark issue
St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster is committed to keeping the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field through all legal means possible, but the City Council is aggressively questioning that absolutist approach. The split between the city and the council was apparent at a workshop for the council yesterday. Normally, a City Council workshop means a […]
Tampa: We could have $100M for new Rays ballpark
Money currently generated by a downtown Tampa TIF district to pay down convention-center bonds could be used in 2015 and beyond for a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark, according to city officials. The tax-increment financing district currently generates some $13.5 million a year, and the Tampa Convention Center bons are slated to be paid off […]
McKechnie Field renovation in the works
McKechnie Field, spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and regular-season home of the Bradenton Marauders (High Class A; Florida State League), would receive $9 million in improvements under a plan before the city and county. The redesign of the classic ballpark calls for a reconfiguration of the seating bowl, with two distinctive seating areas replaced […]
Jamie to Frank: The Dodgers are yours
Perhaps sensing this is the best way to get some cash out of her divorce to Frank McCourt, Jamie McCourt has agreed to let him keep the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dodger Stadium as part of a settlement and will support his effort to sell the team’s media rights. The McCourts have been embroiled in […]
Cubs, Mesa finally ready to sign lease for new spring-training complex
It’s official: the city of Mesa and the Chicago Cubs are signing a 30-year lease for the team to train at a new complex slated to open in 2014, but there’s still plenty of design work to be done. The Mesa City Council is expected to sign off on the lease during Monday’s meeting. It […]
Indians go greener at Progressive Field with new wind-turbine system
The Cleveland Indians are partnering with Cleveland State University to install a state-of-the-art wind turbine at Progressive Field for the upcoming season. The turbine won’t look like a traditional three-blade turbine you see across the country. Instead, the turbine will be round and look like a water tower, providing the ability to generate electricity from […]
Beating victim Stow released from hospital
Nice timing: Bryan Stow, the victim of a horrible beating at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day, reached a major milestone yesterday when he was released from San Francisco General Hospital to a rehab facility. He still has a long route to recovery: he only began speaking recently, he’s not able to walk and he is […]