Transforming Bridgeport Ballpark Into Amphitheater Approved

In a vote of 18 to 2, the Bridgeport (CT) City Council authorized Mayor Joe Ganim to enter into a deal allowing local developer Howard Saffan to transform the just-vacated ballpark into a warm weather amphitheater.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Fans Gobble Up Memories During Bluefish Moving Sale

Fans of the departing Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) got a chance this past weekend to take truckloads of memories home after a massive moving sale.  Read more and watch news report here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Caribbean Jerk Festival at Brideport’s Harbor Yard

Food trucks and vendors, clothing tents and a stage with a band took over the baseball field at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard — the soon-to-be former home of the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) — on Saturday for the 11th annual Caribbean Jerk Fest.  Read more and view photo gallery here.  Watch video here.

Bluefish Fielding Calls, Exploring Options

There is always room for hope in baseball.  Just ask long-suffering fans of the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs.  But locals who love their 20-year-old Bridgeport Bluefish should prepare to resign themselves to this being the final season.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

After 20 Years, Bye-Bye Bluefish

Mayor Joe Ganim built the Ballpark at Harbor Yard and brought the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) to Bridgeport (CT) during his first administration.  20 years later, the returned mayor and his staff have decided it is time to begin a new era at the venue. Baseball is out, live concerts are in.  Read more here.

Brochure Raises Question About Future of Bridgeport’s Ballpark

Mayor Joe Ganim‘s economic development department is reviewing three competing contenders — Frank Boulton, Howard Saffan/Live Nation and an unnamed soccer organization — to use the Harbor Yard ballpark in Bridgeport after a proposed $185 million renovation.  Some have raised concerns that the decision has already been made.  Read more here.

Bridgeport Throws Out Ballpark Use Bids, Will Start Over

Due to a technicality, the city of Bridgeport (CT) is tossing out three competing bids it received last week to operate the Ballpark at Harbor Yard and initiating a do-over.  On Twitter, Jamie Toole, former general manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League), had a few choice words for the city.  Read more here.

Instead of putting out bids 4 alternate tenants @CityofBptCT needs 2 fix the ballpark 4 the current tenant & actually support their team! https://t.co/0kliLoL0KW

— Jamie Toole (@JamieToole) April 4, 2017

Bridgeport Mayor Issues Ballpark RFP

Bridgeport (CT) Mayor Joe Ganim is apparently playing hardball with the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) over the city’s baseball stadium.  On Wednesday, the city called for proposals “for professional sports team operator or an outdoor entertainment venue” for the ballpark.  Read more here.

Bridgeport Council to Consider One-Year Ballpark Lease Extension

The Bridgeport (CT) City Council’s Contracts Committee unanimously approved a temporary deal allowing the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League), whose contract with the city expired in September, to play ball at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard through the 2017 season — the team’s 20th.  Read more here.

Bridgeport Looks at Ticket Tax to Help Fund City Needs

Bridgeport (CT) officials — including Mayor Joe Ganim — reportedly want to raise additional revenue for the city by taking advantage of a new state law enabling them to tack a maximum 5 percent surcharge on tickets to events at the Webster Bank Arena and the Harbor Yard ballpark, home of the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League).  Read more here.

Ballpark Lease Pressure on Bridgeport?

When the Atlantic League signed a recent “sweetheart lease” with the city of New Britain (CT), the message was loud and clear to the city of Bridgeport (CT), as the nine-year lease with the Bridgeport Bluefish (Indy Pro, Atlantic League) for the use of the Ballpark at Harbor Yard is set to expire in 2016.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Two Roads Beer Garden Coming to The Ballpark at Harbor Yard

PRESS RELEASE – The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the opening of the all-new Two Roads Beer Garden at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard for the 2015 season. The Bluefish have partnered with Two Roads Brewery of Stratford, CT, to open this brand new Beer Garden down the Ballpark’s right field line.

Bluefish to Host 2015 Atlantic League All-Star Game, Release Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Bridgeport Bluefish and the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball today announced that The Ballpark at Harbor Yard will host the 2015 Atlantic League All-Star Game, which will take place on Wednesday, July 8. This will be the third time that Harbor Yard will have the event, with the previous mid-summer Classics being held in 1999 and 2006.

Bluefish Set to Welcome 3-Millionth Fan

Things have not been great in the attendance department over the past few years at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, home of the indy pro Atlantic League’s Bridgeport (CT) Bluefish, but the franchise is a mere 3,570 away from reaching the grand milestone of three-million fans in its 14th season.  Last year, the team ranked #145 in attendance with an average of 2,471 fans per game.