In recent days Fort Smith, Arkansas has been named as city which is being targeted by independent minor league baseball as a future expansion city, including a new stadium. Here are some of the articles discussing this story:
- http://www.thecitywire.com/index.php?q=node/7410
- http://www.swtimes.com/articles/2009/12/18/news/news121809_11.txt
If you are familiar with success (or failure) stories of independent baseball teams seeking new stadium construction as part of a “live-work-play” real estate development plan then you are welcome to leave comments on this page. Please cite your sources and the financial ramifications of such successes/failures from previous years.
The American Association’s involvement in Fort Smith would make sense, geographically, and you are welcome to contribute your thoughts as to the economics of this if you are well-versed in the economics of pro sports.
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I would love to speak with someone about this! Would love to know if this is still a possibility. Who would I contact?
I don’t know of any “live-work-play” stadiums in independent baseball, but in affiliated ball, Merchantsauto.com Stadium, home of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, has been a financial mess despite the popularity of the team.
The city of Manchester is on the hook (via bonds) for all the unsold condos and empty business space in the park.