Oh yes, we have a lot of info here to share with you. This past week the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros have been in discussions with Palm Beach County officials regarding a potential spring training baseball site. They have been discussing 10 potential sites in Palm Beach County and if the teams select one of them it will have a tremendously positive economic impact on the city and site they select. It was finally revealed where the 10 sites are. I was stunned (and exhilarated at the same time somehow) to see that one of those sites was just a few miles from my house in West Boca Raton. It is the site on Glades Rd. West of 441. Not surprisingly, this very important decision seems like it will come down to money, like most decisions. The problem with this whole deal is that there are hidden costs. If the Nationals and or Astros can’t make a deal for one of the sites there will only be 3 teams in South Florida. That triggers a termination option in all 3 of their leases allowing them to leave the area. So really this negotiation isn’t just about finding a home for one or two more teams, it is about retaining 3 and adding one or 2. And there would be a huge economic impact either way. I have been to 2 games so far and if you haven’t been to Roger Dean Stadium for one you really should go. If you do, you might be surprised by what you see there. When the St. Louis Cardinals play, who share the stadium with the Miami Marlins, virtually all the fans are from the Midwest. They are all wearing either hats, shirts or shorts (many time all or combinations of these) that are red in color. They patronize the hotels, bars and restaurants in large numbers. They come down here for the weekend, the week and some even come for the whole spring training season to see their beloved Cardinals. Ask the people in Jupiter how they would feel if spring training baseball went away. How would these businesses survive there? They wouldn’t and we would lose one of the best things about February and March in South Florida, spring training baseball. We will have an update on this very soon, as a decision must happen quickly if this deal is to happen at all. My fingers are crossed!
New spring training plans in Palm Beach County face money hurdles
Baseball teams, county may seek more state help for stadium deal
Orin Rosenfeld
President
Rosenfeld Realty Advisors
9858 Glades Rd. Suite 209
Boca Raton, FL 33434
Phone: 561-756-1665
Fax: 561-470-0707
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