MLB To Portland Effort Releases First Renderings Of Downtown Waterfront Ballpark

Portland Diamond Project, the effort to develop a Major League ballpark to lure an expansion franchise, released their first renderings of what the proposed south waterfront ballpark would look like. With support from local and regional politicians, the effort to close the deal is still a work in progress.

In September of last year, PDP announced that they had signed a letter of intent to purchase 33 acres on the Willamette River, just south of the downtown core at the former Zidell Yards location. The location sits just off Interstate 5 and is between the Ross Island Bridge and Tilikum Crossing Bridge that supports light rail and bus transportation.

On Monday, Craig Cheek, the CEO of Portland Diamond Project said the purchase agreement for the potential ballpark had been signed in early February. When I asked Cheek when the deal would be closed, he declined to answer, but based on comments last year, it would put it no later than approximately three years from now.

“We control the property and built timelines and control through when MLB would be making any definitive decisions on expansion,” Cheek said, adding that he sees PDP as being in a “terrific position” and that they love the site and potential.

The ballpark design would see a seating capacity of 32,000 with a clear, retractable roof, allowing the facility to be used year round and ensure walk-up and guaranteed games, especially in the spring and early fall when Portland can see wetter weather. The design is being led by Jeff Yrazabal, architect at design firm Populous, who has been involved in many of ballpark designs in Major League Baseball.

Group Seeks Update To Senate Bill To Assist In Funding

Cheek presented the vision of the ballpark to state legislators on Monday at the House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business and Trade flanked by Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Andrew Hoan, the president and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance and the Portland Metro Chamber, both of which support bringing Major League Baseball to Portland. They came to seek an update to Senate Bill 5, legislation passed in 2003 that would earmark state income tax away from the general fund of club executives that earn more than $50,000, along with home and away players. Once the bonds for an MLB ballpark were paid for, the income tax would then flow into the general fund. The bill has no sunset date and operates on a “but for” principle that the bill does not become law until such time as a club is awarded. The bill, as written in 2003, has a cap of $150 million. The exact amount would be less, given the fees associated with the bonds.

State officials are working to adjust the bonding capacity to account for increases in team salaries and construction costs over the past 22 years, which would be substantial.

“Portland Diamond Project would like to thank members of the House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade for inviting us to testify,” Cheek said in a statement. “We believe the state’s support is critical for this project’s success. We asked legislators to revisit SB5, originally passed in 2003, and update the law to better reflect the current revenue generated by players’ salaries and the rising costs to build a world-class stadium in downtown Portland. This would not be a new tax on Oregonians. We look forward to working with the legislature to make Oregon Better with Baseball.”

Effort Still Comes With Unknowns

Details of the costs of the land and ballpark development have not been revealed. And while PDP has said that the construction of the ballpark would be privately funded, it’s unclear who would cover infrastructure costs.

Maybe the biggest mystery for the Portland Diamond Project is who is ultimately funding their effort. Unlike the MLB to Salt Lake City effort, which sees the Larry H. Miller Company spearheading it, no large investor names have been revealed to the public. Given that PDP has met numerous times with league executives, including MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, those details would have had to be revealed to them. At a stage relatively soon, the main investors will need to be made public.

What Plans Does PDP Have Should MLB Not Award Portland A Franchise?

Cheek said on Monday that Portland Diamond Project could have the ballpark built by 2027 should MLB award a franchise to the market. Manfred has made it clear that while expansion to 32 teams is a goal, it would likely not come to fruition until after he retires in 2029, given that new ballparks for the A’s and Rays still need to occur prior. The A’s are on pace to have their new ballpark open as early as 2028, while political wrangling in St. Petersburg for the Rays has seemed to stop progress that was being made. Once that is cleared, an Expansion Committee would be convened by the league, and a search for a location in the west, as well as the east of the U.S. would take place.

Portland may ultimately not be awarded a franchise. So, I asked Cheek what the plans for the ballpark location would be if that occurred.

“We’re spending a ton of money on Zidell to get it to a ‘shovel ready’ position hopefully mapped to around MLB’s decision [on expansion],” Cheek said. “We’re focused on that. Should we not get a team, we would reevaluate the highest and best potential of Zidell Yards and that development opportunity.”

Still, Cheek wasn’t focusing on plans past expansion

“Right now it’s full steam ahead on the ballpark readiness. It really has the potential to be a very special site. The views of the river, bridges, etc. are spectacular. Fans everywhere will love to visit and experience what we have to offer!”

ADDITIONAL RENDERINGS COURTESY OF PORTLAND DIAMOND PROJECT

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