It’s been a rough summer for the New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), but owner Josh Solomon says he expects his team to be playing in Hartford in two years — but maybe not as a Minnesota Twins affiliate. Attendance is down at New Britain Stadium this season — something to be expected […]
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Rock Cats avoid eviction, pay property taxes
The New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) won’t be evicted from New Britain Stadium after owner Josh Solomon delivered a $164,569 check to pay back taxes and settle city concerns. New Britain officials had threatened to evict the Rock Cats for unpaid taxes. The team’s lease calls for a payment to New Britain […]
Two ballpark development proposals make cut in Hartford
Two downtown Hartford development plans that include a new New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) ballpark are under consideration by city officials. The two plans address the issue of municipal office space, but they differ extensively otherwise: one would add retail and residential, and the other more modest plan would focus on the […]
Four Hartford ballpark developments submitted to city
Four developers submitted development plans for a new downtown Hartford ballpark for the New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), but city officials aren’t releasing any details yet. Friday was the deadline for submitting development proposals, as Hartford officials attempt to put together a privately financed development after withdrawing a plan for public funding […]
New Britain plays hardball with Rock Cats over unpaid property taxes
New Britain (CT) Mayor Erin Stewart has drawn a line in the sand for the New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League): pay past-due property taxes on New Britain Stadium or face eviction at the end of the season. Earlier this year the city of Hartford and the Rock Cats announced plans for a […]
Hartford pulls public bonding for Rock Cats ballpark
Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra pulled his request for $60 million in public bonding for a new New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) ballpark and will instead seek a developer to finance the project. The withdrawal, coming in a letter to the City Council, came after intense crticism from taxpayers and politicians of all […]
Backlash emerging against new Hartford ballpark
Any large public expenditure inevitably attracts opponents, and that’s happening in Hartford, where there’s some opposition forming against a new $60-million downtown ballpark for the New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League). It’s hard to say how widespread any opposition is: a council member initially behind the project is now saying the city needs […]
Hartford: New ballpark already attracting development
Hartford officials say the sale of building sitting vacant for the last six years can be attributed to a new ballpark opening downtown for the New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League). The former bank-processing building, built in 1971 and used last by Bank of America, sits on an entire block near where the […]
Why are Rock Cats moving to Hartford? Follow the money
A potential rise in revenues to $8.1 million annually is a big reason why the New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) are moving to a new downtown Hartford ballpark. A study from Brailsford & Dunlavey, submitted to the team and city in February, estimated that a move to the larger Hartford could boost […]
The Week That Was: June 7
Visiting a historic old ballpark in Kenosha, remembering Don Zimmer, and the unveiling of a new ballpark plan in Hartford were the top stories of the past week on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views. Here they are: Simmons Field / Kenosha KingfishIn memoriam: Don ZimmerOriole Park in line to host 2016 ASG?Hartford ballpark […]
More details about the new Hartford ballpark
More details are emerging about the deal struck between the New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) and Hartford for a new $60-million downtown ballpark. The 25-year lease (with three five-year options) calls for an initial $500,000 annual lease payment by the Rock Cats for the first 15 years of the lease (as opposed […]
Rock Cats negotiating move to Hartford: report
The New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) are negotiating a lease on a new ballpark in nearby Hartford, according to a newspaper report. The Courant is reporting the team has been negotiating with the city for a new ballpark for over a year, with an opening potentially in 2016. Team ownership has also […]
Dowling returns as Rock Cats president; Restall new GM
Bill Dowling, who spent 16 years as co-owner and CEO of the New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), has returned to the team’s front office as president, with Tim Restall the new GM. They replace John Willi, who will remain as a consultant with the team. Willi was named president/GM when the Solomon […]