Posted November 9, 200519 yr ARENA DISTRICT PROPERTIES County purchasing land for Clippers’ new home Wednesday, November 09, 2005 Robert Vitale THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Franklin County now has the land it wants for a new minor league baseball stadium. The county commissioners agreed yesterday to buy 6.9 acres in the Arena District that they had identified in April as their preferred spot for a new home for the Columbus Clippers. The land at the northwestern corner of Nationwide Boulevard and Neil Avenue is west of Nationwide Arena. The county will buy five of six properties there for $11.5 million. Officials are negotiating for the sixth parcel, whose owner recently died. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2005/11/09/20051109-E1-05.html&chck=t
November 10, 200519 yr This post probably belongs in the "demolish Cooper Stadium" post. As an aside, there are artist renderings floating around of the project (Channel 10 had them on last night), maybe someone can find it.
January 11, 200619 yr County loans funds to buy land for Clippers stadium Structuring ensures taxpayers’ money will not be spent, commissioners say Wednesday, January 11, 2006 Robert Vitale THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Franklin County will spend $11.5 million to buy land for a new minor-league baseball stadium, but officials say the deal is structured in a way that sticks to their pledge of taxpayer-free funding. The money is a loan, they say, to be repaid with interest when bonds are issued for the project later this year. The bonds, in turn, will be paid off with income from the stadium after it opens in 2008. County commissioners approved the loan yesterday. Officially, it’s from Franklin County to Franklin County Stadium Inc., a nonprofit corporation that’s overseen by the commissioner-appointed Parks and Recreation Board. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/01/11/20060111-E5-00.html
January 16, 200619 yr From Business First of Columbus, 1/16/06: County behind in count to put Clippers in new ballpark by '08 Jeff Bell Business First Franklin County officials must play a game of catch-up if they hope to see the Columbus Clippers playing at a downtown ballpark by opening day in 2008. The project has fallen behind a design-and-construction timeline the county had hoped to follow, but officials close to the project think ground can be made up in the coming months. County officials and two committees of community representatives have been wrestling with project details since April, when commissioners committed to move the Triple A team from 73-year-old Cooper Stadium in Franklinton to the Arena District. Full story at http://www.bizjournals.com/industries/real_estate/construction/2006/01/16/columbus_story6.html
February 6, 200619 yr From Suburban News Publications, 2/1/06: Stadium meeting results in big turnout, few questions The new diamond is scheduled to be open for the 2008 baseball season. By JENNIFER WRAY More than 50 representatives of firms looking for work on the new Cooper Stadium project attended a presentation Friday that was meant to give them an opportunity to ask questions. However, only three of them actually publicly sought answers from a panel made up of representatives of the Franklin County commissioners. County Administrator Don Brown said he wasn't surprised by the attendees' reticence. That reserved attitude was obvious when one of the potential applicants, Joe Briglia of the International Facilities Group, asked if the candidates could submit questions in writing. Brown said they could but the deadline for such questions would be Thursday, and the county's responses would be sent out to all the applicants. Full story at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS2-1/2-1_allfcstadium.htm
February 7, 200619 yr Well at least they aren't building the ballpark in the suburbs!!! This gives people another reason to patronize downtown Cbus. By the way, are the Clippers any good?
February 7, 200619 yr Well at least they aren't building the ballpark in the suburbs!!! This gives people another reason to patronize downtown Cbus. By the way, are the Clippers any good? They're usually OK. The problem is that the Yankees just go out and buy big leagers instead of bring guys up through thier system.
February 7, 200619 yr It looks like Huntington wants a piece of the action... Huntington buys naming rights for Clippers' proposed stadium The Columbus Clippers' proposed new stadium has a name: Huntington Park. Franklin County officials made an announcement at noon that they've sold naming rights for the team's new Arena District ballpark to Huntington Bancshares Inc.
February 7, 200619 yr Yeah...I can live with Huntington Park. Huntington Field might have been a little classier sounding, but I'll take that over Lifestyle Communities Park!
February 7, 200619 yr nbc4i.com Plans Announced For Clippers' Arena District Stadium Huntington Secures Naming Rights UPDATED: 3:22 pm EST February 7, 2006 COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The name of the new 10,000-seat baseball stadium for the Columbus Clippers will be called Huntington Park, officials said in a Tuesday announcement. The Franklin County Parks and Recreation Board and Franklin County Stadium Inc. made the announcement about Huntington Bancshares, Inc.'s letter of intent to purchasing the naming rights. Huntington will pay $12 million over 23 years for naming rights. Full story at http://www.nbc4i.com/news/6814305/detail.html
February 7, 200619 yr ^Ooooh, purdy! Agree also, that Huntington Park sounds good. Much better than Value City Arena! From 10TV: Downtown Columbus Clippers' Stadium Gets A Sponsor Feb 7, 2006, 03:30 PM EST Reported by Kevin Landers Plans are moving forward for a new baseball stadium in downtown Columbus. There was a major financial announcement Tuesday morning. Huntington Bank has become the first corporate sponsor of the new stadium for the Clippers. The new stadium, Huntington Park, will be located at the corner of Neil Avenue and Nationwide Boulevard, and they hope to start their games in 2008. Full story at http://www.10tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4468188
February 8, 200619 yr DOWNTOWN HOME FOR CLIPPERS Stadium getting bank for bucks ’08 opening likely as Huntington pays $12 million to name park Wednesday, February 08, 2006 Robert Vitale THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The Columbus Clippers’ new Arena District ballpark has yet to take shape, but yesterday it took a name. And a project previously known as "proposed new baseball stadium" came into sharper focus. "Everyone knows Huntington Park is coming," Clippers General Manager Ken Schnacke said. "I think it makes it real. Now it has a name." Franklin County officials said the naming rights deal puts the $55 million stadium project on track after a slow start last year. Legal questions and an early reluctance among potential corporate partners put the 2008 opening in jeopardy, but Commissioner Paula Brooks said yesterday that it’s now possible by midseason 2008 at the latest. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/02/08/20060208-A1-00.html
February 8, 200619 yr Now... imagine a light rail and Ohio Hub train station right alongside of all of this. That would be great!
February 8, 200619 yr Screw that! How about Pappadeaux's!!! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
February 8, 200619 yr Pappa-whaa? ;) *Sigh* What I wouldn't give to see set of passenger rail cars riding alongside the stadium ready to come to a stop at the new multi-model transit center at the Northwest corner of High and Nationwide. *Sigh*
February 9, 200619 yr That could very well happen. The area immediately to the north of the tracks near Neil Avenue would make an excellent site for a multi-modal transportation center that would accomodate trains. It might take some creative track work, but it can be done.
February 9, 200619 yr I remember way back when seeing some conceptual images of a COTA multi-model transit center at that very intersection, which is what I based my fantasy from. I definitely think it could work well, since that rail line could connect downtown to the airport and branch out to Easton, then the north corridor line would be at street level on High St. Then there could be a plaza for COTA buses. But that would make too much sense.
February 9, 200619 yr why not build a streetcar line thru that area, going along nationwide blvd., neil ave., and high st.? i dont think it would cost as much as building light rail, but i could be wrong. if they did, i dont like the name of it, a multi modal transit center/station! how bout something like Columbus Central, High St., Nationwide, or Union Station! just an idea
February 24, 200619 yr County closing on lots for ballpark Friday, February 24, 2006 Franklin County will take possession today of the first parcels of Arena District land where officials plan to build the Columbus Clippers’ new ballpark. During the next two weeks, sale closings are scheduled with five separate owners of land at the northwest corner of Nationwide Boulevard and Neil Avenue. The total price for the 6.9 acres is $15.4 million. Individual sales range from $1.5 million to $4 million. The deals are as follows: William H. Wilson, $4,020,000; NWD Investments, $3,540,000; Beck Dublin LLC, $3,220,000; Iacovetta Properties, $3,110,000; and Katz Interests Inc., $1,510,000. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/02/24/20060224-C4-02.html
February 24, 200619 yr February 22 - March 1, 2006 Eight firms apply to lead stadium oversight By JENNIFER WRAY Eight companies have tossed their respective hats in the ring for an opportunity to work as the owner's representative in the construction of a new baseball stadium to house the Columbus Clippers. The stadium will replace the 74-year-old Cooper Stadium on the West Side and will be located on an 8-acre site in the Arena District, west of Nationwide Arena. The owner's representative will serve as a proxy for the county during the construction and will make sure the public's best interests are followed, officials have said. The eight firms that responded to the county's Feb. 15 deadline were: Jones Lang LaSalle Americas Inc. of Columbus; the Staubach Co. of Columbus and Cleveland; H.R. Gray of Columbus; Soil Test Ltd. of Dublin; Nationwide Realty Investors of Columbus; International Facilities Group LLC of Columbus and Northbrook, Ill.; Construction Process Solutions Ltd. of Cincinnati and Cleveland and CT Consultants of Columbus and Willoughby. Full story at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS2-22/2-22_allfcstadium.htm
March 28, 200619 yr Brewmaster wins the prize! Nationwide to oversee Clippers’ stadium construction Tuesday, March 28, 2006
March 29, 200619 yr Maybe if Huntington gets bought out by 5/3 there can be 3 5/3 fields in Ohio, and 2 more in Michigan
March 29, 200619 yr Nationwide’s pitch for ballpark can’t be beat Arena developer awarded project, will do work free Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Robert Vitale THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The company that built Nationwide Arena and came up with the idea for an entertainment district to surround it now will turn its attention to one of the neighborhood’s final pieces. Franklin County commissioners chose Nationwide Realty Investors yesterday to oversee development of Huntington Park, the new Arena District baseball stadium they plan to build for the county-owned Columbus Clippers. One of its major selling points: The "hometown team," as Commissioner Paula Brooks called the locally based arm of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., has offered to do the job free. Nationwide Realty President Brian Ellis said the company will waive its fees as a "portion of our contribution to the project." For a project the size of the $55 million stadium, owner’s representatives usually would charge up to $1.25 million. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/clippers/clippers.php?story=dispatch/2006/03/29/20060329-B1-02.html
April 27, 200619 yr From the 4/26/06 Dispatch: Labor deal could put stadium funds at risk County pact would let unions assign workers Wednesday, April 26, 2006 Jim Siegel THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Franklin County might not get $7 million from the state to help build a new minor-league stadium if commissioners go ahead with a labor agreement that gives unions the power to assign workers to the project. "We’re going to have a hard time advocating state dollars from a taxpayers’ perspective when you’ve got this labor agreement thing," said Rep. Larry Wolpert, R-Hilliard. "Clearly this agreement is not in the best interest of the taxpayers." GOP lawmakers have been hearing from businesses and the Associated Builders and Contractors, a trade group of nonunion companies and a major Republican campaign contributor that is strongly opposed to the labor pact. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/clippers/clippers.php?story=dispatch/2006/04/26/20060426-A1-01.html
April 30, 200619 yr Is there going to be extra parking created or will they try to work with existing?? I guess there's the lot behing the Lifestyles Communities Pavilion (i agree--horifically named) and more by Lodge Bar/Blues Station etc... Does anybody have any ideas of how/if Buggyworks will be in cooperating with the development? I think i read elsewhere that the will be a new street created or extended? I'm not talking about the 'Firestone Alley' between the two Buggyworks buildings...something else.
May 14, 200619 yr ARENA DISTRICT Clippers parking may stay modest Nationwide, county aim for a range of $3 to $5 Sunday, May 14, 2006 Robert Vitale THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Columbus Clippers fans are unlikely to pay Columbus Blue Jackets prices to park when the teams become Arena District neighbors in 2008. A pending agreement between Franklin County and Nationwide Realty Investors would lock in "market-rate" parking — $3 to $5 instead of the premium prices charged on hockey nights — when the Clippers move to their new stadium, both sides say. Parking, which runs as high as $15 when the Blue Jackets and bigname entertainers are on the marquee at Nationwide Arena, has been a major worry for Clippers fans since county commissioners announced plans last year to move the team from Cooper Stadium in Franklinton to new digs at Nationwide Boulevard and Neil Avenue. The county owns the minor-league baseball team and Cooper Stadium, and it will own the new Huntington Park as well. Nationwide Realty Investors, chosen by commissioners two months ago to oversee the stadium project, has been the Arena District’s main developer. The company, other affiliates and its parent, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., also own 13 of the district’s 14 parking lots and garages. Full story at http://dispatch.com/clippers/clippers.php?story=dispatch/2006/05/14/20060514-C1-02.html
May 15, 200619 yr Market rate is what the market will support, plain and simple. They are talking about the opposite- price control.
May 15, 200619 yr Or...they could park and ride on the streetcar (fingers crossed) if they didn't get the free handout on the subsidized parking. In fact, some of those parking fees should go to fund the streetcar!!!
May 15, 200619 yr Brewmaster.... actually, using parking meter fees (and fines) is part of how Portland, Oregon fund it's streetcar line. They have designated parking zones for blocks either side of the streetcar corridor and if you park or get ticketed for a parking violation isndie those zones, the $$$ go to the streetcar system. The remaining funding comes from an annual contribution from the local transit authority. In return, transit riders get free transfers on to the streetcars. A very nice and symbiotic relationship.
May 15, 200619 yr I like it. It all rolls up into market rate pricing. I'm also for raising the gas tax for the same reasons. If you want to drive an SUV, go for it, but be prepared to pay for it at the pump and subsidize alternative energy and rail projects so that others can benefit from your excess. Same basic principle here. If you are fortunate enough to afford to park close, some of that money should go to fund the parking/transportation needs of the other fans.
May 16, 200619 yr I think the issue here so much is the gamble the county is taking on this new stadium and possibly issolating its most ardant fan base: those that go to Clippers games because it's CHEAP. I think most believe that even if prices for tickets and parking were to double, the new clientele that would be frequenting Clippers games would more than make up for the loss of patrons that now deem the outting too expensive, but the county is going on the conservative. I think if, when all is said and done, that attendance and parking patronage do exceed current projections, we could see parking fees raised to more market driven levels. However, as mentioned, it would be far more beneficial if the proposed streetcar system was integrated into this project in the manner described by noozer. Here's hoping.
May 28, 200619 yr UNION-ONLY CONTRACTS Ballpark sponsors balk at labor plan Sunday, May 28, 2006 Robert Vitale THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The Columbus Clippers could lose millions in corporate help for a new Arena District ballpark if Franklin County gives labor unions exclusive control over construction jobs, a top adviser on the project has warned. County commissioners’ consideration of what’s known as a project labor agreement with 22 area trade unions could jeopardize a $12 million naming-rights deal with Huntington Bancshares Inc., as well as other potential sponsorships, the adviser warned in a recent e-mail to county Administrator Don L. Brown and Commissioner Paula Brooks. "The only way I see this project moving forward is if we take the PLA off the table," wrote Cathy Mayne Lyttle, vice chair of Franklin County Stadium Inc., the board that oversees the current and future homes of the county-owned Clippers. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news/news.php?story=dispatch/2006/05/28/20060528-A1-02.html
June 9, 200619 yr From the 6/9/06 Dispatch: County bows in stadium labor dispute Friday, June 09, 2006 Robert Vitale THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Commissioner Paula Brooks said considering a union deal for the Arena District stadium project was part of "looking for the best approach." Franklin County officials abandoned plans yesterday for a controversial labor agreement that would have jeopardized state and corporate funding for a new Arena District baseball stadium. Although county commissioners decided to let rules already in place guide who builds the stadium, they said they still will pursue a deal with area trade unions to govern construction of a new county courts building. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/06/09/20060609-E1-06.html
June 24, 200618 yr COUNTY PICKS ARCHITECT FOR CLIPPERS STADIUM Firm that worked on Nationwide Arena says it will tailor ballpark to local fan base Friday, June 23, 2006 By Robert Vitale THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Sports arenas and stadiums need to be designed for the fans who visit them, says the man who will put ideas on paper for central Ohio's newest venue, the Columbus Clippers' proposed Huntington Park. Franklin County officials recommended yesterday that commissioners hire 360 Architecture Inc., a firm whose partners designed Nationwide Arena, to build the ballpark that will become its Arena District neighbor. Scott Ralston, the 360 principal who will head the design team, promised a stadium that borrows from the past, breaks new ground and "provides opportunities I don't think anyone thought imaginable." Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/06/23/20060623-B1-03.html
June 25, 200618 yr It's needs a waterfall and rollercoaster, for sure. No one goes to the ballgame for sports anymore!
June 25, 200618 yr It looks like Huntington wants a piece of the action... Huntington buys naming rights for Clippers' proposed stadium The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday, February 7, 2006 11:01 AM I personally hate it when ballparks and stadia are all of a sudden named for corporations. :x It's no wonder I have lost interest in professional sports. Plus, I still tend to say "Riverfront Stadium" when I talk about the Cincinnati Reds. :-( After all, the last time I went to a Reds home game was 1995! :-o
July 3, 200618 yr From Business First of Columbus, 7/3/06: Clippers ballpark back on track But questions loom on construction schedule for targeted 2008 opening Business First of Columbus - June 30, 2006 by Jeff Bell Business First The cry "play ball" in a downtown stadium may not be heard in 2008 after all. Those closest to the project are hedging their bets on whether Huntington Park, the planned Arena District home of the Triple A Columbus Clippers, will be ready for any part of the 2008 baseball season. "You have to be reasonable," said Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks. "(July 2008) is the target, but first and foremost we must get the project built right. Huntington Park Location: Northwest corner of Neil Avenue and Nationwide Boulevard Tenant: Columbus Clippers Estimated opening: July 2008 Estimated cost: $55 million Seating capacity: 10,000 Architect: 360 Architecture Inc. Owners' representative: Nationwide Realty Investors Full story at http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/07/03/story4.html?from_rss=1
July 21, 200618 yr Corporate boxholders waiting to see how new stadium plays out Business First of Columbus - July 14, 2006 By Tim Puet For Business First Corporate owners of rooftop suites at Cooper Stadium say they're pleased the Columbus Clippers will be moving to a new ballpark in 2008, but need more information about the facility before deciding whether they'll continue to purchase the luxury boxes. The Clippers announced plans for the park in February, a project which Nationwide Realty Investors will guide and 360 Architecture Inc. will design. Plans for the appearance of the structure, seating capacity and ticket and parking prices have yet to be announced. Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/07/17/focus5.html
August 30, 200618 yr FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS New baseball park, courthouse will be ecologically sound Wednesday, August 30, 2006 Robert Vitale THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The playing field won’t be the only green part of Huntington Park. The new Arena District baseball stadium and a new Downtown courts building will be built with environmentally friendly, energy-saving features under a policy adopted yesterday by the Franklin County commissioners. The commissioners unanimously approved a statement that directs county agencies under their control to keep the environment in mind when making policy and purchasing decisions. Full story at http://dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/08/30/20060830-B3-00.html
September 14, 200618 yr Clippers, Yankees part ways Major-league club ends 28-year affiliation with Columbus The Columbus Dispatch Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 4:43 PM The New York Yankees announced today that they will not renew their deal with the Columbus Clippers baseball team, which ended with the Clippers' regular season Sept. 4. Columbus Baseball Team Inc. is set to begin negotiations with available Major League Baseball teams Saturday and has until Sept. 30 to sign with another major-league club. Major league teams currently without triple-A affiliations include the New York Mets, Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles. "I can guarantee there will be baseball in Columbus next season," Clippers president Ken Schnacke said. It is believed that Yankees general manager Brian Cashman wants his triple-A team closer to New York. Scranton, Pa., approximately 120 miles west of New York City, is available since the Philadelphia Phillies allowed their contract to lapse. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com
September 14, 200618 yr oh man that's pretty terrible. that was such a very very long relationship. i find it hard to believe. no more whitey ford and george steinbrenner running around drunk and calling out to each other over the pa system. heh, those were the days. i just posted some news in transportation about the possible re-opening of commuter rail transit to scranton again. so it will be possible to ride the train out there from nyc/nj to see the scranton/wilkes-barre team play i suppose. hard to believe but a lot of commuters live out there, i even know a few.
September 14, 200618 yr I wonder how this affects the new ballpark project in the Arena District? I have to believe it doesn't help, because having the affiliation with the Yankees has always been part of the draw for minor-league baseball in Columbus. Clearly, the fact that a new ballpark was being developed didn't cut any ice with Yankee management. So.... who's guess as to the next MLB team to take the Yankees place? The Indians?...... Reds?..... Pittsburgh?.....
September 14, 200618 yr How the new stadium project will be affected is definitely a concern. Even though Steinbrenner and the Yankees had never committed any funding to the project, the fact that the MLB affiliation no longer exists could be a huge deterrent to potential investors and box seat holders, which the county hoped would partially fund the construction. The Dispatch article mentions the Mets, Orioles, and Nationals as teams without Triple-A affiliation, so if the Clippers management does secure another MLB team, it'd likely be one of those. Personally, I'd love to see the Mets. I've always been partial to them over the Yankees, despite the Clippers' affiliation with them.
September 15, 200618 yr Nationals I suppose is the logical choice (as Columbus connection to DC via the government, defense, and JP's Barbeque). "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
September 15, 200618 yr So how long is Pittsburgh, Cincy, Cleveland, and Detroit's contracts with their current cities?
September 15, 200618 yr More from the Columbus Dispatch.... Yankees end relationship with Clippers Friday, September 15, 2006 Craig Merz THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH If the Columbus Clippers are to be affiliated with a New York team next season, it will have to be the Mets and not the Yankees, their major-league partner for the past 28 seasons. The Yankees informed Columbus Baseball Team Inc. last week that they will explore other triple-A options, possibly moving their top prospects to Moosic, Pa., in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. The Clippers, who are owned by Franklin County, have until Sept. 30 to forge a new player-development contract. Three major league clubs remain unsigned for next season: the Mets, Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals. "I can guarantee we will have baseball in Columbus next season," Clippers president Ken Schnacke said. The planned Arena District ballpark will be a lure to a potential affiliate, Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks said. Huntington Park is scheduled to open sometime in 2008 but possibly as late as the start of the 2009 season. The Clippers are looking for a two-year deal, but it won’t be with Cincinnati or Cleveland. The Reds (Louisville, Ky.) and Indians (Buffalo, N.Y.) have working agreements through 2008. Schnacke would not rule out pursuing those clubs in the future. Full article: http://www.dispatch.com/default.php?story=dispatch/2006/09/15/20060915-A1-05.html
September 16, 200618 yr Why would a baseball team name their team the "Mud Hens"? What's the story with that?
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