The Time is
Now
 Portland is poised to be
the future home of Major League Baseball. The facts are undeniable:
- Major League Baseball
has decided to relocate one franchise and will quite possibly relocate a
second.
- Portland is the
largest metropolitan area in the nation without an MLB franchise and the
largest with only one major professional sports franchise.
- Oregonians have
demonstrated ample passion for Major League Baseball, documented by stunning TV
ratings and an overwhelming response to the 2002 major league exhibition game
at PGE Park.
While newly renovated
PGE Park is poised to serve as an interim venue for the state's new team, a new
ballpark is the key to Oregon's chances for acquiring an MLB franchise. The
Oregon Legislature has approved a plan for financing up to $150 million of the
new ballpark through team-generated income tax revenue, vaulting Oregon into
position to be the home of Major League Baseball in the very near future. As
the complete financing plan for the ballpark is finalized, both the Oregon
Stadium Campaign and Oregon's governmental entities share the philosophy that
no financial resources shall be diverted from schools or any existing public
services to fund a new ballpark. Only those public revenues that are generated
as a result of Major League Baseball in Oregon will be dedicated toward the
construction cost of a ballpark.
The Oregon Stadium Campaign is
committed to attracting an MLB franchise in a manner that is embraced by both
Oregonians and by Major League Baseball. Please view further details on the
Portland market, Oregon's passion
for MLB, the proposed ballpark financing plan
and anticipated economic impact. |
