PawSox Abandon Targeted Ballpark Site in Providence, Will Explore Other Options

The Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League) have officially abandoned their quest to build a ballpark on part of the former I-195 land in Providence (RI).  According to PawSox Chairman Larry Lucchino, the team will now consider all other options and proposals, including potential other site locations in Providence.  Read more here.  Watch news report here.

Warwick Joins Paw Sox Stakes

Warwick (RI), Mayor Scott Avedisian wants the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League) to consider three locations near T.F. Green Airport for a new ballpark.  Read more here.

PawSox Stadium Forum Held

The ongoing debate over whether the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League) should build a new stadium in downtown Providence (RI) continued Tuesday as more than 200 supporters and opponents of the plan gathered inside a dueling pianos bar located less than a mile from the proposed ballpark.  Read more here.

No PawSox Ballpark Consideration by Legislature Until 2016

Rhode Island House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello says lawmakers are unlikely to consider a revised proposal for a Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League) stadium in Providence until their next regular session in January.  Read more here.

Kennedy to Take Over for Lucchino as Red Sox President

Boston Red Sox chief operating officer Sam Kennedy will lead the franchise as president when Larry Lucchino steps down (voluntarily?) as president/CEO to devote his time to the proposed ballpark in Providence (RI) for the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League).  Read more and watch videos here.  Read story here without the spin.  Read latest about the Providence project here and here.

PawSox Owners Plan New Stadium Promo Tour

The owners of the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League) will embark on a summer-long road trip to all 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island to promote their proposal for a new ballpark in downtown Providence.  Read more here.

The Design Firm Behind the Proposed Providence Ballpark

Over nearly three decades, Joe Spear and Earl Santee have built Kansas City-based Populous from an offshoot of design firm HOK into the preeminent sports architecture company in the country.  Populous is one of two firms that worked on the plans for the proposed Triple-A ballpark in downtown Providence (RI).  Read more here.

MiLB Chief Visits Providence to Bolster PawSox Ballpark Effort

Minor League Baseball chief Pat O’Conner was in Providence (RI) Wednesday to help build public support for construction of a downtown ballpark for the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League).  Read more here.

Economist Takes Issue with Providence Ballpark Plan, PawSox Hit Back

College of the Holy Cross professor Victor Matheson, a sports economist, says the economic benefits of the proposed Providence ballpark do not justify a large commitment of public dollars.  He also says another team would fill the void if the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League) were to leave Rhode Island.  Public-relations man Jon Duffy, who is working with the PawSox, responds.  Read more here.

Worcester, New Bedford Realistic Backup Options for PawSox?

If the deal being discussed in Providence (RI) to build a downtown baseball stadium for the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League) falls through, officials in Worcester (MA) and New Bedford (MA) have expressed interest in getting in the PawSox relocation game.  Read about Worcester here.  Read about New Bedford here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the links.

Providence City Council Feeling Disrespected Over Ballpark Plan

The Providence City Council approved a resolution Thursday to invite the new owners of the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League) to discuss their ballpark plan with them — obviously feeling disrespected that the PawSox owners have talked with everyone about their plan but the council.  The resolution included a snarky, “that as of this time, April 27″ [the date it was filed] “the team

Alternate Site Offered for Proposed PawSox Ballpark

The owners of the former Victory Polishing and Plating Co. headquarters downtown want the new PawSox ownership group to consider their property as an alternative ballpark location if the team can’t get the former I-195 land they’re seeking now.  Read more and watch news report here.

New Providence Ballpark in Governor’s Court

On Wednesday, the new owners of the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League) owners unveiled their big ask for state taxpayers to help pay for an $85-million ballpark project in Providence (RI).  New Governor Gina M. Raimondo said the idea of a multipurpose stadium downtown is exciting.  But, she added, “My top priority is getting Rhode Islanders back to work, and we have

Plans for Providence Ballpark Unveiled

The new owners of the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League) on Wednesday unveiled plans for an $85 million stadium in downtown Providence (RI) that they are billing as an economic engine and a catalyst of further development in the city.  Read more and view renderings here.

PawSox Prez to Tour Potential Ballpark Site

Lawyer James J. Skeffington, a principal owner and president of the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League), expects to take a walking tour Thursday of the former highway land in Providence (RI) where the team’s new ownership group hopes to build a stadium.  Read more and view aerial map here.

James Skeffington: The Power Behind the PawSox Ballpark Plan

Providence Journal staff writer Paul Grimaldi takes an interesting look at James J. Skeffington, the “power broker” behind the proposed new ballpark in Providence (RI) for the Pawtucket Red Sox (Triple-A, International League).  Read more here.

Rhode Island Red Sox?

With news on Monday that the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox (International League) have been sold and could be moving to nearby Providence (RI), there is already talk about a name change.  New team president James Skeffington reportedly said he would like to call the team the Rhode Island Red Sox.  Read more here.  The domain RIRedSox.com is already in use, and RhodeIslandRedSox.com was registered yesterday.   Below is our attempt at a new logo:

Rhode Island Red (chicken) Sox, by BallparkBiz.com

Whoa! Paw Sox to Leave Pawtucket (UPDATED)

Pawtucket (RI) Mayor Donald Grebien says the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox (International League) have been sold and are leaving the city.  Read more here.  Thanks to Joe Mock and Chris Rosenberg for the heads up.  UPDATE:  It appears the PawSox are Providence bound, despite all the politicos playing dumb.  Read more here.  If so, this would be a quick flip from the news delivered this time last year.  Read more here.  View PawSox press release here.

Paw Sox Staying Put, Extend Lease

A lease extension approved by the Pawtucket City Council keeps the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox (International League) at McCoy Stadium until at least 2021 and ends any chatter about moving the baseball team to the I-195 land in neighboring Providence.  Read more here.  Read more from MiLB.com reporter Benjamin Hill here.