Renderings Unveiled for New Richmond Ballpark

PRESS RELEASE – The Richmond Flying Squirrels have released conceptual renderings of what a proposed regional ballpark on the Boulevard could resemble. Created by Populous, an international design firm specializing in sports architecture, the depicted ballpark reflects a “Richmondesque” design with brick exterior, a grass berm

Suitors Seek to Buy A’s

Two investment groups have expressed interest in buying the Oakland A’s, including one group that dropped out of the bidding war for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  But owner Lew Wolff has said that the team is not for sale.  Wolff and his partner bought the A’s for $172 million in 2005, so they could make a healthy profit.  That said, we suspect there is a lot more at play here than simple

Debt Interest Savings Could Help Fund New Ballpark

Richmond (VA) Mayor Dwight C. Jones is proposing to refinance a chunk of the city’s debt at a lower rate, and use $1.5 million a year in savings to help finance a new ballpark for the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels (Eastern League).  Read more here.

Study Confirms Ballpark Benefits, Request for Funds Up Next

On the heels of a study just released indicating a positive economic impact of a proposed new $55 million uptown Charlotte (NC) ballpark for the Triple-A Charlotte Knights (International League), a City Council committtee has asked the team to make a formal request for financial support at a meeting on March 15.  Read more here.

WVU Wants NYPL Club for Ballpark Project

As we posted last week, West Virginia University is looking at building a new ballpark at University Town Center in Granville (WV).  To mitigate the cost, WVU would like to partner with a Single-A New York-Penn League club to fill seats during the summer months.  Read more here.

Newspaper Endorses Bonding for New Saints Ballpark

The Pioneer Press newspaper issued an editorial on Saturday strongly endorsing $27 in proposed state bonding for a new $54 million, 7,000-seat ballpark in Lowertown for the indy pro St. Paul Saints (American Association).  Read more here.

Negotiations Not Yet Done for Sale of SWB Yankees

Lackawanna County (PA) is still in negotiations to sell the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (International League) to SWB Yankees LLC, a joint venture between Mandalay Baseball Properties and the New York Yankees.  Concerns have been raised by some that time is running very short, as demolition of PNC Field needs to begin soon in order for a new ballpark to be built in time for the club’s

San Jose Advances Road Improvements for New A’s Home

While MLB has not given its blessing to allow the Oakland A’s to relocate to San Jose, the city is wasting no time ramping up road improvements that will help alleviate traffic congestion should the new ballpark project move forward.  Read more here.

Gophers Pick Design Firm for New Digs

The University of Minnesota announced on Friday that DLR Group has been selected as the designer for the new ballpark for the Golden Gophers baseball team.  The university also kicked off a grassroots fundraising campaign for the project called Siebert Field-The Final Pitch.  Read more here.

Key Committee Chair Expresses Support for New Saints Ballpark

In positive news for the indy pro St. Paul Saints (American Association), Rep. Larry Howes, the Republican chair of the Minnesota State House of Representatives’ Capital Investment Committee, said he is “99 percent” in support of the proposed new ballpark in Lowertown St. Paul.  Interestingly, Howes is not a St. Paul legislator trying to protect his own project.  He represents a very rural district nearly four

Squirrels Form Pro-Ballpark Advocacy Group

The Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels (Eastern League) hope to gin up grassroots support for a new ballpark by forming a new citizens advocacy group called “Ballpark Nutz.”  Read more here.  Go to the Ballpark Nutz Facebook page here.

Columnist Makes (Bad) Case for More Private Funding for New Ballpark

Richmond Times-Dispatch sports columnist Paul Woods believes funding for a new ballpark for the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels (Eastern League) should be covered by a private-public partnership, not a public-private one.  The difference in his mind?  Money should be generated from one or all of the five major corporations headquartered in the city.  This quote below sent us through the roof:

Champaign Mayor Finally Appoints Ballpark Exploratory Committee

Champaign (IL) Mayor Don Gerard has finally appointed an exploratory committee to determine the feasbility of building a new minor league ballpark, after announcing the idea last summer.  The group, led by software executive Tony Johnston, will begin discussions on Monday, Jan. 30.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Saints Get Ballpark Love From Governor

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has provided $27 million in financing for a new ballpark for the indy pro St. Paul Saints (American Association) in his $775 million bonding proposal unveiled today.  The local match required is $20 million.  The project must now face the gauntlet of the GOP-controlled Minnesota State Legislature.  Read more here.

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Milwaukie (OR) Ballpark Design Options Unveiled

Following up on yesterday’s posting that the city of Milwaukie (OR) is moving forward with the second phase of the proposed new ballpark project for a yet-to-be-named Single-A Northwest League franchise, 360 Architecture showed off several potential designs. View one design here.  We like the seemingly larger-than-typical covered grandstand.  Read more here.

Milwaukie (OR) Ballpark Project Takes Next Step

At a special public meeting last night to discuss Phase I of the proposed new ballpark for a yet-to-be-named Single-A Northwest League franchise, the Milwaukie (OR) City Council heard from strong supporters and staunch opponents.  In the end, after a three-hour meeting, the council voted 3-2 to authorize moving on to Phase II.  Blogger and long-time Portland Beavers/ Rockies fan Steve Armbrust was on the scene and

Back to the Ballpark Table for Rays, St. Pete

We don’t expect any miracles here, but Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg and St. Petersburg (FL) Mayor Bill Foster have a meeting scheduled next Tuesday that could rekindle new ballpark talks.  Read more here and here.

Immigrant Pay-to-Play Funding for A’s Ballpark in Oakland?

Now that the California Supreme Court has essentially ruled to kill off local redevelopment agencies, the city of Oakland is eyeballing the EB-5 visa program to fund a new ballpark for the Oakland A’s.  This pay-to-play visa program allows a potential immigrant to get a green card for himself and his immediate family by investing at least $1 million in a project that produces at least 10 full-time jobs.  If the

A’s Overly Optimistic About Move to San Jose?

In recent weeks, the Oakland A’s have been talking as though the move to San Jose is inevitable, but former San Francisco Giants managing general partner Peter Magowan believes it’s “wishful thinking.”  Reportedly, the A’s stadium issue is not on the agenda for the owners meetings in Scottsdale (AZ) in two weeks.  Read more here.

Sounds Like East Bank Site for New Ballpark

Of the three potential locations identified for a new ballpark for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds (Pacific Coast League), the East Bank of the Cumberland River is the clear winner in the eyes of the team’s ownership.  The Sounds don’t seem to have much interest in the Sulphur Dell or North Gulch sites, if the city wants a healthier financial commitment from the club.  Read more and view aerial rendering here.

Ballpark Financing Deal Spurs SEC Investigation

The U.S. Security and Exchange Commissions (SEC) has delivered letters to the City of Miami and Dade County requesting documents related to the public financing deal for the Miami Marlins’ new ballpark.  Read more here.

New Milwaukie (OR) Ballpark: Limited Noise, Light Pollution

According to preliminary projections commissioned by the City of Milwuakie (OR), light and noice from the proposed new ballpark would have a limited impact on surrounding neighborhoods.  Read more and view impact maps here.

Cornerstone University Breaks Ground on Unique Residence Hall Ballpark

PRESS RELEASE – Cornerstone University (Grand Rapids, MI) broke ground today on its $8 million dollar one-of-its-kind baseball stadium and new residence hall combination.

Meetings Planned for Public Vetting of Milwaukie Ballpark Proposal

The City of Milwaukie (OR) has scheduled three public meetings to allow citizens to weigh in on the proposed new baseball stadium targeted for Oregon Department of Transportation property south of Milwaukie.  The so-called listening posts are scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, Wednesday, Nov. 9, and Thursday, Nov. 17.  Read more here.

Marlins New Animatronic Home Run Sculpture: Hideous, Tacky, Ugly?

First the Miami Marlins’ new amateurish and overly rainbowish logo is leaked.  Now comes the developing scultpure that will sit beyond centerfield in the Marlins new ballpark.  Some folks absolutely hate it.  We find the arcade-like contraption tacky and over the top, but we love the all-in, Disneyland-like approach to atmosphere and theme building, which can make many traditionalists cringe.  Read more here.

VIEW SCUPTURE IN ACTION HERE. CAUTION: CAN BURN EYES!

Moorad Extends Escondido Ballpark Deadline

San Diego Padres CEO Jeff Moorad has not given up on the proposed new ballpark in Escondido (CA) for the Triple-A Tuscon Padres (Pacific Coast League).  He has reportedly extended the deadline for the city to finalize plans on building the new stadium until at least mid-January.  Read more here.

Milwaukie (OR) Takes Next Ballpark Steps

The Milwaukie (OR) City Council voted on Tuesday night to authorize the city to hire three companies to determine the feasibility of building a new minor league baseball stadium.  The three companies tapped to handle the duties are Innovative Campaign Strategies, 360 Architecture, and Capital Project Consultants.  Read more here.

If You Build It, Attendance Will Increase

Staff reporter Annie Johnson from the Nashville Business Journal bolsters the case for a new ballpark for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds (Pacific Coast League) by ranking and showcasing the top-10 new minor league ballparks based on a percentage increase in attendance.  Read more here.  View Top-10 gallery here.

Fielders Appear Done in Zion

While the City of Zion (IL) and the indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) prepare for an ugly legal battle over unpaid rent and a permanent ballpark that was never built, City Attorney Scott Puma has made it clear that Zion wants the team gone.

New P-Nats Park by 2013?

According to Art Silber, owner of the Single-A Potomac Nationals (Carolina League), “tremendous progress” is being made in locating a site in Prince William County (VA) for a proposed new ballpark for the team.  Plans continue to target 2013 for a facility grand opening.  Read more here.

Birmingham Works Deal with UAB to Secure Ballpark Land

In exchange for needed land for the new $60 million ballpark for the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League), the city has agreed to waive $7 million in costs related to street closures desired by the University of Alabama-Birmingham.  Read more here.

Marlins Ballpark Nears Completion

Officials from the Florida…er…Miami Marlins are reporting that construction on the team’s new stadium is 80 percent complete, is coming in on budget at $515 million, and will be ready time for (Grand) Opening Day, when the Marlins take on the St. Louis Cardinals on April 4, 2012.  Read more here.  View photos here.

Saints Vie for Championship, New Ballpark

The indy pro St. Paul Saints defeated the Grand Prairie AirHogs in the first game of the American Association championship series, and the Saints are hoping a successful run will give them the extra kick they need to secure funding for a proposed new $47 million ballpark in Lowertown St. Paul.  Read more and watch news clip here.

Team Birmingham in Place, Let the Jobs Creation Begin

The ballpark building team is now in place in Birmingham, with more than 50 companies, suppliers, and contractors ramping up the design, development, and construction of the new downtown home for the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League).  The project is projected to generate 500 jobs and $18 million in payroll.  Read more here.

2011 WMBL Champs Want New Ballpark

The Regina (SK) Red Sox, the 2011 champions of the summer collegiate Western Major Baseball League, feel they have outgrown Currie Field at Mt. Pleasant Sports Park and are now looking for a new ballpark.  Read more here.  View Currie Field street view here.

New Richmond Ballpark Delayed Until 2015

The Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels (Eastern League) were looking forward to playing ball in a new ballpark by the 2014 season, but local government budget concerns will reportedly force the project to wait until at least 2015.  Read more here.

New Liberty University Baseball Stadium Approved

PRESS RELEASE – Liberty University earlier this month continued its march toward becoming a prominent collegiate athletics program by announcing the planned construction of a new baseball stadium next to its recently expanded Arthur L. Williams football complex.

Talk of New Can-Am League Ballpark in Gatineau

Can-Am League commissioner Miles Wolff was interviewed on CKAC Sports about a proposed new 5,000-seat ballpark in Gatineau (QC) across the Ottawa River from Ottawa (ON).  The article is in French, but the audio is in English.  Read more and listen to audio here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Eminent Domain On Deck in Birmingham

Birmingham (AL) Mayor William Bell is reportedly prepared to use eminent domain to acquire the private land necessary to build the planned $60 million ballpark for the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League).  Read more and view map here.

Voters Reject Atlantic League Ballpark, Coliseum in Nassau County

With 82 percent of the ballots counted, voters in Nassau County (NY) have rejected borrowing $400 million to replace the arena for the NHL’s New York Islanders and build a new ballpark for an Atlantic League expansion franchise.  Read more here.