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Archives: Feb. 25-March 2, 2008

Sounds soon to be on the market?
Posted Feb. 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We've alluded to this possibility several times in the last six months, and now there's explicit word out of Tennessee that the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) may be shopped around discreetly by owner Al Gordon, with a figure of $30 million being tossed around. The number, of course, is patently absurd; the team could attract a premium because the team is free to be moved at the end of the 2008 season when its lease at Greer Stadium expires, but $30 million isn't a very realistic figure. Reese Smith III, the incoming owner of the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League), is said to be interested in putting together a deal that includes a new downtown ballpark, as is the ownership of the Nashville Predators (NHL). It's pretty clear Gordon won't get city support for a new ballpark, but a new ownership group that includes locals could. There are a couple of intangibles at play here. If the franchise stays in Nashville -- which would be preferable to most in baseball, because at the end of the day Nashville is a very good market that supports the team despite a middling facility -- whoever buys the team will need to pony up millions more for a new ballpark. An interesting twist is that city officials are being coy about signing a new lease with the Sounds; there's nothing forcing the city to do business with Gordon, though it would be cutting off a nose to spite a face, since no other affiliated team would be allowed into the market. Sometimes an owner needs to walk away from a bad situation, and given the problems Gordon and crew have had in obtaining a new ballpark in downtown Nashville, that time appears to be now for the Sounds. More on the tensions and the city from the Tennessean and columnist Gail Kerr.
    RELATED STORIES: Sounds' suit says bank wrongly took funds; Nashville mayoral candidates support downtown ballpark; Sounds ballpark enters mayoral debate; Architectural firm sues Sounds; Bank pulls money from Sounds' account to pay legal, other fees; Metro halts funds to Sounds; Could Sounds leave Nashville?; Sounds GM Yaeger criticizes Struever Bros. as "wrong partner"; Struever, Sounds now have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to seal ballpark deal; Struever, Sounds now have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to seal ballpark deal; Struever would build Sounds ballpark; Sounds, Struever keep swinging for a ballpark solution; Nashville ballpark plan may be losing its luster; Metro concerned about progress of Nashville ballpark deal; Sounds must make decisions regarding downtown ballpark; Struever says Sounds ballpark will be built; Amid ballpark questions, plan for two hotels unveiled; Sounds delay ballpark opening until 2009; Ballpark financing lag worries Sounds; Sounds fail to file lease legislation; Council approves lease extension for Nashville ballpark development; Sounds unveil ballpark plans; Metro agrees to deadline extension on Sounds project; Sounds' project team huddles to nail down a deal; Sounds get jump-start on ticket sales for new ballpark; Sounds ballpark developer needs to score soon; Ballpark financing not set as deadline approaches; Struever mulling ballpark-area changes in Nashville; Sounds unveil ballpark plans; PCL president applauds Nashville ballpark deal; Yaeger calls stadium plan flexible and fan-friendly; Sounds settle on 2008 opening date for new ballpark; Ballpark opening date up in air, Sounds say; Nashville Metro Council approves new Sounds ballpark; Company says Sounds deal sets stage for Frank project; Sounds send commitment letter to Council; Caucus continues pressure for minorities' role in stadium; Nashville Council Black Caucus wants more minority work on ballpark; Sounds are rounding third; Sounds remain at bargaining table; Nashville Sounds one vote away from new ballpark; Council should give Nashville ballpark their support; Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark project; Sounds ballpark vote delayed; Museum, dining wanted at new Sounds ballpark; Sounds move ahead with ballpark design; Sounds weak; Sounds ballpark proposal passes first test on Council; Opposition to Nashville ballpark gears up on council; Many good questions raised over Sounds deal; Chamber of Commerce backs Sounds ballpark plan; Downtown merchants rally for Sounds; Board seeks information on Sounds ballpark deal; Neighbors of Nashville ballpark expect project to spark development; Sounds, Nashville sign agreement for new ballpark; Sides close on Sounds ballpark plan; Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size; New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt; Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until fall; Sounds deal stalls, but still in play; City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan; Sounds ballpark negotiations slow; Will ballpark make SoBro soar?; Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark; Sounds win city approval for new ballpark

Omaha formally commits to 24,000-seat downtown ballpark
Posted Feb. 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Omaha Mayor Mick Fahey formally unveiled a plan for a 24,000-seat ballpark, which could be expanded to 35,000, a day after presenting the plan to NCAA leaders in an attempt to keep the College World Series in the Nebraska city. The cost of the project is projected at $127.84 million, not including $11.95 million to retire debt associated with the last renovation of Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium. The new ballpark, to be built in a parking lot near the Qwest Center, would be funded with a 1-percentage point rise in the city's  hotel tax and a $2 surcharge on car rentals. City officials say they are budgeting $59.24 million toward the project and expect to attract $42.95 million in private donations to make up the difference, as well as $37.6 million from naming rights, parking fees, seat taxes and leases with the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the Creighton Bluejays, though neither have committed to the project. The goal was to lure the NCAA into extending its lease for the College World Series, but reaction from the NCAA was muted, as the organization issued a statement praising the plan but not committing to a extension past 2010. Politically, we're not sure the project is any farther along than it was a week or so ago: hotel owners are still opposed to the tax -- which puts the city hotel tax rate among the highest in the nation -- and officials from Qwest Center were not present at the press conference, though we did hear later from reps from the organization they were willing to work on a management deal for the ballpark. Also, part of the funding relies on a diversion of funds from Douglas County, and officials there aren't pleased. More from AP.
    RELATED STORIES: Should Omaha tell to NCAA to live with Johnny Rosenblatt?; Committee recommends new downtown Omaha ballpark; MECA formally opposes new ballpark on its land; Is Omaha ballpark plan falling apart?; O-Royals ready to bail on new downtown ballpark?; Downtown ballpark remains choice of Omaha officials, despite higher price tag; Nebraska Legislature enters Omaha ballpark fray; Lot C emerges as frontrunner for new Omaha ballpark site; Two sites emerge as frontrunners for new Omaha ballpark; Omaha ballpark panel picks architects to evaluate sites; Save Rosenblatt Committee wants representative on mayor's ballpark committee; NCAA's feelers out for CWS sites; Omaha mayor's public pitch for ballpark begins; More options introduced for new home of College World Series; Skeptics of Omaha ballpark proposal look for return on funding; Public to have say on Omaha ballpark proposal; Omaha restaurant owners vow opposition to ballpark tax; Omaha mayor unveils $117-million ballpark plan; Rosenblatt group sends petitions to NCAA; Omaha and the CWS: City bids for 20-year deal; Omaha Royals support plan for new ballpark; NCAA ties College World Series to new ballpark; Today's video: Kevin Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; New downtown Omaha ballpark would be near Qwest; Rosenblatt fans try to draft Costner; Rosenblatt demolition among Omaha ballpark suggestions; Royals president says two baseball facilities can work; Petition drive aims to save Rosenblatt; Could Indy someday be host for CWS?; New Omaha ballpark could feature other pastimes; Coaches reminisce as talk turns to proposed downtown ballpark; Plan B: Fix up Rosenblatt; Omaha wants at least 10-year CWS extension before ballpark work; Mayor: NCAA shows interest in new Omaha ballpark; Omaha floats new ballpark for CWS, O-Royals

IronPigs receive keys to new ballpark
Posted Feb. 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Owners of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) and Lehigh County officials held a ceremony yesterday to mark the official handing over of Coca Cola Park to the team. The IronPigs received a ceremonial key to the ballpark, while the county received a ceremonial check for $1.29 million, the first of 30 annual payments from Gracie Baseball, owners of the team. The current price tag for the ballpark is $49.4 million, with $18.5 million coming from the state of Pennsylvania, $13.355 million in a hotel tax funds, and $18.12 million taxable bond pledged against rent from Gracie Baseball. It looks to be a most impressive facility (we toured last fall and can't wait to see the action from the field-level suites). The ballpark opens next month; we'll be there opening night if all goes well. More from the Express-Times and the Allentown Morning Call. Speaking of the IronPigs: The Majestic Clubhouse Store, the official retail store of the team, will celebrate its Grand Opening during National Pig Day on March 1 at Coca Cola Park, beginning at 9 a.m. Also slated for National Pig Day: the commencement of single-game ticket sales at the ballpark.

Saints ballpark funding lacking in state bonding bill
Posted Feb. 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The prospects of state funding for a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) ballpark this session went down further when the influential Minnesota Senate Capital Investment Committee passed a bonding bill Tuesday night that doesn't include any direct money for a facility or its planning. The bill does include $100,000 for the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MASC) to plan a regional sports facility in St. Paul for soccer, lacrosse, football and baseball, which (in theory) could contain a new ballpark. (Here's the full bill, if you're inclined to read the whole thing.) Given the way the MASC does things, we think it's highly unlikely the project would end up as a St. Paul Saints ballpark, particularly given the city's strong predilection toward supporting amateur soccer, a passion for the city's minority population. The Saints originally made St. Paul's state bonding request, with a later plan asking for $250,000 for predesign of a new facility. Floor action on the bonding bills in both the Senate and the House is expected next week, followed by a conference report to iron out the differences.
    RELATED STORIES: Saints ballpark deal dead this session?; St. Paul proposes new $25 million facility for Saints

Tunney: Tribune Co. playing hardball with city
Posted Feb. 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Alderman Tom Tunney, the architect of a deal that allowed more night baseball and concerts at Wrigley Field in exchange for more neighborly behavior from the Chicago Cubs, says Tribune Co. officials are seeking to renege on earlier agreements and bring more night games and concerts to the Friendly Confines. These agreements include the designation of Wrigley Field as a landmark, which limits development in the surrounding area and the extent to which the ballpark can be renovated. To us, the increased pressure to generate more revenue from Wrigley Field smacks of a certain desperation to squeeze every last penny from the sale of the Chicago Cubs. Not that there's anything wrong with a businessperson being aggressive, but it shows a definite distain for the notion of the Cubs and Wrigley Field as part of a public trust, something William Wrigley encouraged and something the Tribune Co. earlier supported. The most successful MLB franchises -- the Red Sox, the Yankees, the Giants, the Angels -- have shown a willingness to treat their franchises and ballparks as public trusts, but the Cubs' owners are showing an alarming willingness to throw away decades of good will in pursuit of a few extra sheckels. More from the Chicago Tribune. Tunney says the sale of naming rights to Wrigley Field is inevitable; Sam Zell, who's proving to one of the more ruthless owners in Major League Baseball -- and that's saying a lot -- says he won't hesitate in making such a deal. We are going to call BS on something else he said during an CNBC interview: he said Major League Baseball has already approved "four or six" ownership groups for the Cubs, but we've been told by folks close to the situation Zell is mistaken on that point.
    RELATED STORIES: State: City must relax Wrigley Field landmark status if sold by Cubs; Zell's insistence on selling Cubs, park separately slowing sale; Cubs: Wrigley should pay for Wrigley Field naming rights; Cubs sale probably won't happen until after end of season; Tunney wary of Wrigley deal; Daley now open to idea of state ownership of Wrigley Field; Selling Cubbies priority for new owner; Trib closes buyout; sale of Cubs, Wrigley Field to follow; Wringing cash from Wrigley Field; Cubs, state confirm preliminary Wrigley talks; State looks to buy Wrigley Field

MiLB continues charity work for 2008 season
Posted Feb. 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Minor League Baseball announced that it is continuing its relationships this season with its three national charity partners, The ALS Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Special Olympics. The Minor League Baseball office will provide information to its member clubs and league offices about these three partnerships, which have resulted in over a million dollars being raised in each of the past three years.
    "A trademark of Minor League Baseball is its care of community and sense of pride in each of our cities," said Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner. "Our clubs support local charities with annual giving of cash and in-kind gifts in excess of $4.5-million and we are proud to once again support The ALS Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Special Olympics through the Minor League Baseball Charities Foundation."
    The ALS Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters have been with The Minor League Baseball Charity Partner’s Program since its inception in 2004. Special Olympics joined the program the following year. The Charity Partner’s Program’s mission is to provide national exposure for these charities, expand current relationships between clubs and local chapters and to foster new relationships where none exist.

Music facing financial issues in Macon
Posted Feb. 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Power and water to Luther Williams Field has been cut off by the Macon Water Authority because of an outstanding bill incurred by the Macon Music (independent; South Coast League) from the 2007 season. Other vendors and employees, such as former manager Phil Plantier, say they're owed money as well, but the team is current in its rent with the city. Plantier, in particular, was critical of how the league's finances were run at the end of the season. The independent South Coast League plans a four-team circuit in 2008. More from Macon.com.

Stop wasting money on Rec Park and build Oaks new ballpark: newspaper
Posted Feb. 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In an inversion of normal ballpark logic, the Visalia Times-Delta is calling for the city to stop spending money on a renovation of Recreation Park and instead build a new ballpark for the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League). Oaks owner Tom Seidler has doggedly followed his vision of turning quaint Rec Park into the Cal League version of Wrigley Field, but skyrocketing costs are threatening to derail that plan, with most of the city money pledged toward the project spent on one portion of the ballpark renovation. Normally owners are told to renovate older facilities and not to seek new ones, but the Times-Delta is taking a logical approach toward keeping baseball in Visalia.
    RELATED STORIES: Visalia approves bid for Rec Park renovations

Twins ballpark cost officially rises to $412.4 million
Posted Feb. 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The cost of a new downtown ballpark for the Minnesota Twins is now at $412.4 million as the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners officially approved the new budget for the ballpark. The previous budget was $390 million; the Twins will covered the increased costs, which are released to upgrades in various parts of the ballpark. Work continues apace on the ballpark; it's impacting our afternoon drives home (I-394 is a mess; thanks, guys). More from the Star Tribune. More on the new ballpark, including some comparisons to the Metrodome, from MinnPost.
    RELATED STORIES: Cost of new Twins ballpark rises by $22.4 million; Twins see brisk sale in suite sales; Hennepin County says ballpark appraisal process tainted by crooked evaluation; Twins, ballpark authority to spend $2.5M on "green" features; Twins ballpark design clears big hurdle with quick board vote; New info on Twins ballpark unveiled; Final price tag for Twins ballpark land: $28.5 million; Mediator will try to find a ballpark land solution; Hennepin County makes insulting offer to Twins ballpark landowners; Landowners make settlement offer in Twins ballpark dispute; Twins finally hold groundbreaking for new ballpark; Landowners to appeal valuation of Twins ballpark parcel; A new dispute on ballpark land figures; Twins ballpark site worth $23.8 million, says condemnation panel; Greed circles the plate at Twins ballpark site; Hennepin County, land owners remain far apart on value of ballpark site; Taxpayers' costs for Twins ballpark may be going up; Ballpark land was low-balled; Ballpark designers seek green label, but say effort alone counts; Twins ballpark parcel worth $65.375 million, say owners; Twins ballpark draws development interest; Pohlads lining up land near ballpark; Hennepin County takes control of ballpark land, reaches agreement with railroad; Twins, Hennepin County sign ballpark agreement; now the fun begins; County: Twins' extra donation for ballpark is confidential; Twins unveil ballpark plans; Hennepin County, Twins reach land agreement; vote slated for today; Twins ballpark meeting is delayed; Ballpark impasse solution may be near on Twins ballpark; Twins moving ahead with ballpark plans; Pohlads step up to plate to help county save deal; Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises; Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?; Building a ballpark may hinge on having the Twins pay more; County officials, landowners of Twins ballpark site remain in a holding pattern; County looking at two new sites for Twins ballpark; Official says changing site of Twins ballpark would mean delays; A great ballpark divide; Twins postpone ballpark unveiling; Hennepin County, Twins say they'll look for a new ballpark site; Draft environmental review for Twins ballpark unveiled; Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose; sides still apart on price; Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark design; Twins ballpark likely to sport modern look; Ballpark site owners put squeeze on Twins; New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin County shoppers; Ballpark players ironing out use, development agreements; Twins release more details on new ballpark; New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews; Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis inadequate, group says; Ballpark should be held to high standards; Twins formally announce design team for new ballpark; Firms lined up early for stadium work; Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark land; Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark; Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field; A freeze frame for Twins; Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins ballpark; Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off schedule; Twins pick ballpark designers; As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations push on; Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010; Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax; It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to KSTP-AM; Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons; Twins seek partners for naming rights, sponsorships; Twins searching for trademark ballpark design; Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark; Naming rights options scary; More than a ballpark in Minneapolis

Fat dudes on a dugout coming soon to a city near you
Posted Feb. 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Apparently the new trend in baseball is putting dancing fat guys on a dugout and calling it entertainment. The Florida Marlins are launching a dance team called the Manatees, which will feature up to 10 fat men jiggling and dancing to music during Friday and Saturday games. The Manatees -- not to be confused with the Mermaids, the all-(hot)-female dance team sponsored by the Fish -- won't be paid (they'll get a free ticket to the game), but will instead be expected to bare their flesh for the (alleged) enjoyment of others. Not to be outdone, the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) are doing the same with an call for larger-than-life (or at least larger-than-average) guys to perform as the Big Hitters. The Revolution will at least throw in some food to their fat-guy team, though we think both teams would get better performances if they slipped them a few beers before showtime.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Feb. 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The South Georgia Peanuts (independent; South Coast League) announced the hiring of Deanna Davis as the team's general manager for the 2008 season. Davis comes to Albany, Georgia, by way of the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League), where she served as the assistant general manager for ticketing and operations. She replaces Keith Michlig, who served as the Peanuts GM for the 2007 inaugural season....The Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) announced a "Name the Mascot" contest. The new raccoon mascot will feature a black fedora with a red hatband along with the signature red bandana. He will wear a jersey similar to that worn by River Bandits players during home games at Modern Woodmen Park....Jon Boswell is the new media-relations manager for the Lowell Spinners (short season; NY-Penn League). The Woburn native is returning to the Spinners after serving as an intern in the Promotions and Public Relations department during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Prior to re-joining the Spinners, Boswell had been working as the Director of Marketing for KBK Sports Marketing..... The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High Class A; California League) have announced that their flagship radio station will be KSPA 1510am for the upcoming 2008 season. KSPA 1510am will air all 140 Quakes regular season games and will have on-air ticket giveaways and will keep Quakes fans abreast of upcoming games at the Epicenter. The Quakes will also be simulcast on the Internet....The Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) announced that all games for the upcoming 2008 season will be broadcast via the Bullfrogs Radio Network on WNFL 1440 AM. The deal will include the playoffs and the Northwoods League All-Star game from Madison on July 14th....

State: City must relax Wrigley Field landmark status if sold by Cubs
Posted Feb. 26, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If the state of Illinois takes over ownership of Wrigley Field, the city of Chicago must relax the historic ballpark's landmark status and set up the equivalent of a tax-increment-financing (TIF) district to help pay down bonds, according to former Gov. Jim Thompson, chairman of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA), the agency looking into buying the Friendly Confines. The scenario floated by Thompson has the ISFA floating bonds to pay for a renovation of Wrigley Field, made possible when the city relaxes the ballpark's landmark status, which protects the iconic outside side at Clark and Addison, the old-fashioned manual center-field scoreboard, the ivy-covered brick home-run wall and the curve of the bleachers and grandstand. Additional revenue from things like naming rights, increased advertising and new luxury boxes would help pay off the bonds, but the city would need to hand over increased sales-tax revenues generated by these renovations to the authority to also help pay off bonds. All of this is designed to put more money back into the pockets of the ballpark's current owners, The Tribune Co., under the assumption that the ISFA can borrow money more cheaply than a private individual and therefore pay more for the ballpark than whoever buys the Cubs. While we're not entirely sure the ISFA can at this very moment borrow money more cheaply than someone in the private sector -- the bond market is in disarray, with some action-rate bonds exceeding 10 percent, and that instability affects everyone -- it should give everyone pause to consider that all of these maneuvering is solely designed to enrich The Tribune Co. at a cost to the city and its citizens. It was a big deal for Wrigley Field to be awarded landmark status, and we're not sure city leaders are going to give that up so easily. More from the Chicago Sun-Times.
    RELATED STORIES: Zell's insistence on selling Cubs, park separately slowing sale; Cubs: Wrigley should pay for Wrigley Field naming rights; Cubs sale probably won't happen until after end of season; Tunney wary of Wrigley deal; Daley now open to idea of state ownership of Wrigley Field; Selling Cubbies priority for new owner; Trib closes buyout; sale of Cubs, Wrigley Field to follow; Wringing cash from Wrigley Field; Cubs, state confirm preliminary Wrigley talks; State looks to buy Wrigley Field

New for 2008: Fluor Field
Posted Feb. 26, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Greenville Drive (Low Class A; Sally League) and Fluor Corp., one of the world’s largest publicly traded engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance services companies, announced today that the team’s award-winning ballpark, West End Field, will be renamed Fluor Field as part of a corporate partnership between the two organizations.
    Dwayne Wilson, group president of Fluor’s Industrial and Infrastructure business, and Craig Brown, Drive president and co-owner, issued a joint statement saying, "Our decision to establish this partnership is an outgrowth of our individual commitments to Greenville and the Upstate, and our mutual interests in seeing this community continue to develop as a world class place to live, work and enjoy life."
    Fluor Field’s newly designed logo and signage have been approved by both organizations and will read, "Fluor Field at the West End" to maintain the ballpark’s highly acclaimed compatibility with the neighborhood’s historic character and its identification with the vibrant economic revitalization of Downtown Greenville. The newly designed Fluor Field logo and signage is scheduled to be ready for the 2008 Season Opening Weekend, April 3-6.
    The Fluor/Drive relationship includes the naming of the ballpark, signage and logo representation, opportunities for Fluor to host company and community events at Fluor Field, plus other sponsorship activation initiatives.

SK Baseball breaks ground on new Reno ballpark
Posted Feb. 26, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Over 300 fans attended the groundbreaking for a new downtown Reno ballpark slated to house the relocated Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) beginning with the 2009 season. To say the ballpark will be built on a tight schedule is an understatement: it's a design/build project, which means design will be ongoing while construction begins. SK Baseball is owned by mall developer and Indiana Pacers (NBA) owner Herb Simon and the Katzoff family. The ballpark will seat 6,500, with room for 3,500 more on a berm. As is the case with most ballpark projects these days, SK Baseball is working on more than just the ballpark; the development group is also planning a downtown Reno development that will include shopping and entertainment. The group released a conceptual rendering of these plans (shown below).
    RELATED STORIES: Funding for new Reno ballpark revised; Reno will get franchise, but with what affiliation?; County approves bonds for Reno ballpark; Early Reno ballpark plan showcases shops; Ballpark already bringing business to Reno; Triple-A baseball OK'd for Reno; New Reno team: Fierce or friendly?; Reno approves new downtown ballpark; Reno council OKs downtown ballpark deal; Baseball owners could get tax break; Two sites OK'd for Reno ballpark; Two Reno ballpark sites to go before city planners; PCL approves Sidewinders sale; Reno gets site; Reno officials want 8-acre site near Evans Avenue for ballpark; Reno City Council to consider plan to build new ballpark; It's all over but the blaming; Sidewinders sold; expected to be in Reno in '09; Announcement on Reno's Triple-A team delayed; Washoe County approves PCL ballpark; Reno is closer to Triple-A baseball; Guinn OKs bonds for marina; State tourism panel aids Sparks marina project; Sparks Council OKs proposal for 92 acres of marina project; Officials still hold hope for Triple-A franchise in Reno; Sparks still in hunt for Triple-A team

Visalia approves bid for Rec Park renovations
Posted Feb. 26, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Visalia City Council voted on Monday to select the $7.7 million bid of local contractor Seals-Biehly and proceed with the renovation of the right field portion of the Recreation Park, the home of the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League). Site preparation work (including excavation and demolition) was completed in December on a previously awarded contract. The six-month construction is expected to begin in March, take shape during the Oaks’ 2008 season and be completed in the early Fall.
    Recreation Park will see a few improvements at the Oaks’ Home Opener on April 17. Fans can expect a new scoreboard and message center along with a new home team bullpen. In addition, the Oaks’ Booster Club has volunteered hundreds of hours over the winter to renovate the visiting team clubhouse and bring it to compliance with Pro Baseball standards.
    The focus of the renovations was to meet the Pro Baseball Facility Standards, which would ensure professional baseball in Visalia for years to come. When renovations are complete, Recreation Park will meet Major League Baseball facility standards for the first time since the standards were set in 1985. The ballpark will also house some of the fan amenities popular in minor league ballparks around the country. Highlights of the renovation include: new outfield fence; new home and visiting team bullpens; new home and visiting dugouts (built into existing grandstand); new concession stand, including a full kitchen and five additional points of sale; new souvenir shop and restrooms; new Hall of Fame Club: an air-conditioned, year-round banquet center commemorating 62 years of professional baseball in Visalia and the nearly 200 alumni who moved into the major leagues; new bank of box seats alongside first base; new grass lawn seating; new kids play area (whiffle ball field, speed pitch and inflatable games); new ticketing and administrative offices; classic brick facade along Giddings Street; new primary entrance on the south side of the ballpark; and elevators and ramps for complete ADA accessibility.
    One potential problem: increased costs for the remainder of the renovation. It will cost $7 million more for the planned renovation of the grandstand, and no one is quite sure where that money is coming from. More from the Fresno Bee.

MiLB chooses vendor for DAP turf management
Posted Feb. 26, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Minor League Baseball and the Brickman Group have agreed to terms on a three-year partnership for Brickman Sportsturf to serve as Turf Manager for the Durham Athletic Park (DAP) in Durham, N.C.
   Minor League Baseball is in the process of setting up an academy at DAP, the former home of the Durham Bulls baseball team. The ancient facility was made famous by the 1980s movie, “Bull Durham.”
    When renovation of DAP is completed this fall, Minor League Baseball will take over as operator of the facility. Minor League Baseball intends to use the stadium as a training center for business and facility operations in the baseball industry. DAP will host games for North Carolina Central University and other Durham city events.
    In addition to its duties in maintaining the field, Brickman Sportsturf will set up seminars and a curriculum on sports turf management that will be a part of the academy.
    "We are pleased to team up with Brickman and Murray Cook on our Durham project," said Pat O’Conner, President of Minor League Baseball. "Brickman’s vast experience and resources, combined with Murray’s knowledge, insures us of an opportunity to provide top quality groundskeeping education and instruction for professional baseball."

Should Omaha tell to NCAA to live with Johnny Rosenblatt?
Posted Feb. 26, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This article from NebraskaStatePaper.com raises an interesting point: in the huge debate over the future of the College World Series, why is keeping Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium as it is not an option? After all, Omaha has many other pressing economic needs, and you can argue that filling potholes is a more worthy civic pursuit than building a new $140-million ballpark for the NCAA. So, in essence, Omaha would be calling the NCAA's bluff to relocate the College World Series -- but you've got to be pretty sure the NCAA is indeed bluffing. There are relatively few venues outside of MLB ballparks that can meet the NCAA's criteria in terms of seating (25,000-plus), multiple clubhouses and amenities for NCAA officials and sponsors. Indeed, you'd need to double the size of existing Triple-A venues like Victory Field or build an entirely new ballpark to provide what the NCAA wants. So far the negotiating has been one-sided; perhaps the NCAA needs to see there's not a lot of other cities willing to spend over a hundred-million dollars to host a relatively short annual tourney. Of course, it's not going to happen: Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey is meeting with NCAA officials today, and there's virtually no chance Fahey will do anything but say wonderful things about what's happening with a downtown ballpark. Meanwhile, the folks behind Save Rosenblatt say the mayor's ballpark proposal is flawed.
    RELATED STORIES: Committee recommends new downtown Omaha ballpark; MECA formally opposes new ballpark on its land; Is Omaha ballpark plan falling apart?; O-Royals ready to bail on new downtown ballpark?; Downtown ballpark remains choice of Omaha officials, despite higher price tag; Nebraska Legislature enters Omaha ballpark fray; Lot C emerges as frontrunner for new Omaha ballpark site; Two sites emerge as frontrunners for new Omaha ballpark; Omaha ballpark panel picks architects to evaluate sites; Save Rosenblatt Committee wants representative on mayor's ballpark committee; NCAA's feelers out for CWS sites; Omaha mayor's public pitch for ballpark begins; More options introduced for new home of College World Series; Skeptics of Omaha ballpark proposal look for return on funding; Public to have say on Omaha ballpark proposal; Omaha restaurant owners vow opposition to ballpark tax; Omaha mayor unveils $117-million ballpark plan; Rosenblatt group sends petitions to NCAA; Omaha and the CWS: City bids for 20-year deal; Omaha Royals support plan for new ballpark; NCAA ties College World Series to new ballpark; Today's video: Kevin Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; New downtown Omaha ballpark would be near Qwest; Rosenblatt fans try to draft Costner; Rosenblatt demolition among Omaha ballpark suggestions; Royals president says two baseball facilities can work; Petition drive aims to save Rosenblatt; Could Indy someday be host for CWS?; New Omaha ballpark could feature other pastimes; Coaches reminisce as talk turns to proposed downtown ballpark; Plan B: Fix up Rosenblatt; Omaha wants at least 10-year CWS extension before ballpark work; Mayor: NCAA shows interest in new Omaha ballpark; Omaha floats new ballpark for CWS, O-Royals

Ballpark Notes
Posted Feb. 26, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Road Ranger Stadium, the home of the Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League), will once again host Rockford College games this season. The Regents will play 18 games over 10 dates at the ballpark. Bob Koopman, a coach for the RiverHawks, is also the coach of the Rockford team....The Tennessee Smokies (Class AA; Southern League) announce that The Sports Animal WNML 99.1 FM, 99.3 FM & 990 AM has renewed its contract for the 2008 season as the flagship station for the Smokies Radio Network....Cecil Fielder is the new manager of the Atlantic City Surf (independent; Can-Am Association). Fielder spent 13 seasons in the major leagues from 1985 to 1998 with the Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Anaheim Angels and Cleveland Indians. Last year he managed the Charlotte County Redfish (independent; South Coast League). He replaces Chris Carminucci, who will remain as club president and oversee the team’s business operations....

South Coast League releases four-team schedule
Posted Feb. 25, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent South Coast League released a 2008 schedule today with just four teams in the league: the Aiken Foxhounds, the Anderson Joes, the South Georgia Peanuts and the Macon Music. Gone from last year's lineup is the Charlotte County Redfish franchise (plans to schedule it as a travel franchise were scrapped), while plans to place a team at Jackson's Smith-Wills Stadium were put off a year. It's hard to do a four-team league, and we're guessing the guys behind the league see it as a one-year blip while they gather their forces for the 2009 season. With venues like Columbus's Golden Park possibly opening up next season -- and ballparks like Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium and Spartanburg's Duncan Park Stadium possibly being available in coming years -- there are certainly other expansion options for the year-old indy circuit.
    One unique things on the schedule: a day/night, split location doubleheader. On Saturday, June 14, the South Georgia Peanuts will host the Macon Music during the day game. The teams will then travel north where the teams will entertain the Macon fans during the nightcap.
    In other SCL news, Aiken Foxhounds general manager Bradley Bell has stepped down.

Minority hiring lacking at new Nats ballpark
Posted Feb. 25, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One of the prime rationales for the District of Columbia funding Nationals Park, the new home of the Washington Nationals, was to create benefits for the local minority population. But to date the project has failed to meet the goals of minority hiring and contractors have not been sanctioned for coming up short, reports the Washington Post.  Basically, the goal was for half of the most lucrative jobs on the ballpark construction to be filled by minority workers, but the actual figure has been only 27 percent. There won't be any fallout from the shortcoming: local union leaders say contractors have been aggressive in seeking out minority workers, but a construction boom in the local area has made it virtually impossible to fill all the slots.
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Wingnuts to go cashless
Posted Feb. 25, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The front office for the Wichita Wingnuts (independent; American Association) warned us they'd have a big development in February, and it is big: the team will be the first in minor-league baseball to go cashless. As it's been described to us, the team will sell prepaid cards as they enter the ballpark. These cards are the only form of payment allowed at the Lawrence-Dumont Stadium concessions stands and will be good for two years. Patrons will also be allowed to cash out the unused balances on their cards when they leave the ballpark. The rationale is to cut down on the lines at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium concessions stands, though we're not so sure the move just won't shift the lines to the card stands.

Will fans flock to new Fish pond?
Posted Feb. 25, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We find that generally the concerns of sportswriters don't always match up with the concerns of average fans. So it's always with a grain of salt we take criticisms of ballparks like the ones leveled here by Ray McNulty, where he writes the average fan will want to avoid the new Florida Marlins ballpark because it's not in the most convenient location. Now, there are many reasons why the Orange Bowl site isn't ideal, but we've discovered what plays well for a good location for a ballpark isn't the same as what a sportswriter find convenient: most sportswriters would prefer to see suburban facilities rising from a sea of asphalt, with a handy media parking lot right outside the press entrance. But fans tend to embrace ballparks that aren't the most convenient in terms of access -- ever try to get to Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium during rush hour? -- and we are confident in the fans' ability to arrive at a shiny, new retractable-roof ballpark in Miami. Some fans from Palm Beach agree they won't be making the drive into the city, while Emily Minor admits Dolphin Stadium sucks for baseball.
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New for 2008: Dehler Park
Posted Feb. 25, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Unless the Billings City Council objects, the name of the new Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League) ballpark will be Dehler Park, as chosen by Jon Dehler, the area businessman who bought naming rights for $1 million. It could have been a whole lot worse: the naming is for Dehler's father, a longtime baseball fans. The replacement for Cobb Field should be ready for a July 1 offering, although the team and the city are finding they must need to make some hard decisions about what goes in the ballpark: a videoboard has been scrapped, for instance. More from the Billings Gazette.
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Local offerings highlight Nationals Park concessions
Posted Feb. 25, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Nationals and concessionaire Centerplate are going local with some of the offerings at Nationals Park, which opens next month. You can expect to see chili from Ben's Chili Bowl, coffee from Mayorga Coffee Roasters, and other offerings from the Hard Times Cafe, Gifford's Ice Cream, Noah's Pretzels, Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries, Capitol City Brewing Co. and other local vendors. More from the Washington Business Journal.

Investors, not city, needs to fund new ballpark: Newspaper
Posted Feb. 25, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Normal/Bloomington market is proving to be one of the more promising areas for landing an independent team, but there's a high bar to entry. The market is big enough for indy ball (100,000+ when you combine what locals call the Twin Cities), and it has some of the demographics (lots of college students) found in other successful markets. But whoever goes after the market is going to need a little cash: Heartland Community College, the envisioned location of a ballpark, doesn't have the money for a pro facility, so between the start-up costs, the costs of a new ballpark, and the price tag of a new franchise, some deep pockets will be needed from investors. We continue to hear the Frontier League's name mentioned prominent -- geographically, it's the best fit for the market -- but the Northern League certainly is in play. The other issue that needs to be addressed: public funding of a new arena in Bloomington has yielded nothing but a sea of red (we've covered the proceedings fairly regularly in Arena Digest), forcing the city to raise the local sales tax to cover shortfalls, so there's going to be little appetite for any public funding of a new sports facility.
    RELATED STORIES: Griffith: Normal could be ready by 2009 for baseball

Public responds to Rays' ballpark proposal
Posted Feb. 25, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Residents got a chance to voice their opinion on a new $450-million waterfront ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays on the Al Lang Field site. Over 200 people crammed into the City Council chambers, with over 100 speaking on the subject. Most were against any ballpark whatsoever, but for different reasons: some wanted to see the city build a tent city for the homeless rather a new ballpark with a sailing motif. More from the Tampa Tribune.
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Rainiers to unveil VIP club
Posted Feb. 25, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
New this season at Cheney Stadium: the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are installing a sponsored VIP Club along the right-field line. It's actually a second private club at the ballpark, but the first is more of a tavern and doesn't have a view of the action. Local firm Venture Bank is sponsoring both clubs. You could say the clubs are a success: the team expects to sell 1,200 to 1,400 memberships at $1,500 a pop. More from the Puget Sound Business Journal.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Feb. 25, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Southern Illinois Miners and Clear Channel Radio have renewed a deal that will have all 96 Miners games broadcast live on WQUL-FM 97.7 The Bear for the second year in a row. Radio announcer Scott Gierman will call the play-by-play for every game as well as host the pre-game and post-game shows. It will be his first season as the voice of the Miners. "The Bear’s coverage area perfectly matches the footprint of our fan base," Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. "We had tremendous listenership last season. It was unbelievable to walk into a restaurant and hear our games being played over the restaurant’s sound system."...The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (independent; Northern League) announced the following hires: Karl Hoium is the new director of group sales, Sean Kiernan is the new director of food and beverage and Michael Larson is the new director of ticket sales....