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March 30, 2004
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
We may get an minor league arena-stadium in neighboring Springdale soon.
Officials of Springdale's Chamber of Commerce are courting backers for an arena-stadium to be built near Interstate 540, according to Perry Webb.
Webb, chamber president and chief executive officer, said Monday the facility would house a Class A independent baseball team, a minor league hockey team and an Arena II football team.
Woo-hoo! Can we say "season baseball tickets"? I think we can. Good job Perry! [Disclaimer: Perry's wife is one of my better instructors at community college]
No surprise, the teams approached Fayetteville first, and got the cold-shoulder.
"Actually, the minor league teams made a big pitch to Fayetteville," Coody said. "They received kind of a cool reception because they wanted the taxpayers to build the facility. We didn't feel that was doable."
But the folks in Springdale were a bit more enterprising. Not wanting to use taxpayers' money, they starting actively searching for alternative financing.
"We're just inches away from signing an agreement with National Sports Services Inc. out of Kansas," Webb said. "The company deals with facilities, financing, financing groups and ownerships. They have a real good track record with facilities and ownerships."
I hope it works out. I've missed the crack of the bat on these warm summer evenings.
Really, is there any finer way to spend an afternoon?
Posted by Rita at March 30, 2004 07:44 AM
Comments
Actually there is......and a bat and crack are involved......
Posted by: Bill at March 30, 2004 10:51 AM
"Really, is there any finer way to spend an afternoon?"
Yes, on the golf course.
Posted by: Ralph Gizzip at March 30, 2004 08:24 PM
Perhaps the folks up here could take some lessons from the folks in Springdale.
In the June election, we're going to be asked to part with a whole boatload of property tax dollars to fund the rebuilding of our local baseball stadium.
I don't think anyone has actually run with the idea of looking into private funding.
I have a feeling they're going to be sorely disappointed with how the taxpayers are going to look at their proposal.
At least I hope so.
Posted by: mtpolitics at March 31, 2004 07:29 AM
Dear R-
Can you spot me on some peanuts and Cracker-Jacks?
D
Posted by: David Strain at March 31, 2004 06:25 PM
Bill you're a sight.
Ralph, that's just so wrong.
Craig, there was no way they could ask for another tax increase. They just got a big one to fix the roads up there. I'm just glad they had the foresight to look for other financing....and I hope it works out.
No David I won't spot you. It'll be my treat or none at all. : )
Posted by: Rita at March 31, 2004 08:57 PM