A new spring training ballpark in Arizona has been narrowed down to three specific cities. Goodyear, Case Grande and Glendale have shown interest in building a ballpark and are able to attract teams from the Grapefruit League in Florida. When the Major League Baseball Commissioner sent out a letter to ask which Arizona cities were interested in building a new spring training facility less than ten answered the letter. An important factor is a city that can fund a stadium and the infrastructure to support it. The city needs to attract clubs that want to come out to Arizona. So far Casa Grande and Goodyear are having more success on these fronts than Glendale. Although Glendale hasnt been as public with its operations as the other two cities have. Casa Grande is looking into information on stadium operations and financing options. Goodyear has a ten million dollar bonding capacity. Glendale didnt acknowledge where they are in funding currently. The MLB Commissioner would like to see a deal made by September 2006 so that the new stadium construction can be started and completed by 2008, if the project is given the fast track. Three teams that are currently training in Florida have considered moving their spring training Arizona. These include the Cleveland Indians, the Baltimore Orioles, and the Cincinnati Reds. These Grapefruit League teams have contracts or leases that have already expired or will expire soon. Currently the Grapefruit League is attempting to find another location for the Cleveland Indians spring training since their current stadium is small and out-dated. In addition the current city for the Indians spring training would like to use the location for condominiums and boutiques. In Sarasota, Florida the Baltimore Orioles are having funding issues. Despite this the Orioles do not want to leave unless a better offer can be found elsewhere. Therefore, it makes sense for the Cactus League host cities to look into offering deals to these teams looking for new places to hold their spring training. |
