For those of you who don’t know, Plant City Stadium is still looking for a longterm leaser or outright new owner.
The Plant City Commission rejected April 22, a proposal from Big League Dreams Inc. The company, which specializes in creating smaller replicas of famous major-league ballparks and leasing them to the public, made the only proposal by the 2 p.m. April 1 deadline. Big League Dreams has had interest in bringing one of its replica stadiums to Plant City for several years.
City Manager Greg Horwedel said the proposal lacked key information regarding potential costs and the benefits of the proposal to the city. He declined to give details about the proposal.
The commission made the decision to reopen the proposal process. Horwedel said the new request for proposals will launch the first week in May.
It is anticipated that VisionPro Sports Institute, which currently is leasing the stadium for its USL PRO soccer team and affiliate teams, could make a proposal for a longer-term lease. VSI has stated a desire to build a footprint in Hillsborough County, with a soccer academy, something that could fit nicely in Plant City with the Randy Larson Four-Plex and Plant City’s central location to major markets.
Big League Dreams could submit another proposal, which could create some competition if VSI submits one, as well. The reopened request for proposals also could draw attention from other potential suitors.
The idea of Plant City having a sized-down replica Wrigley Field or Fenway Park in its backyard is certainly interesting and could become popular with the large youth baseball scene in the area. Just think about the possibility of Plant City and Durant squaring off each year under the shadow of the Green Monster.
On the other hand, a state-of-the-art soccer training facility in Plant City is intriguing in its own right. VSI, a European company that has a focus of promoting and developing the game of soccer in North America, already has a large presence in the Tampa Bay area. Plant City being the hub of the organization in Florida could be beneficial to the sports scene here and be a financial asset to the city.
Soccer is a popular sport in Plant City, given the high participation numbers in youth leagues, but so far, that hasn’t translated to big gates at VSI Tampa Bay FC PRO games. A continued lack of attendance at home games could affect a proposal decision from VSI.
Plant City Stadium is the former spring training home for the Cincinnati Reds. Although the days of pro baseball in Plant City are long gone, I believe there is a chance — albeit a long shot — of bringing an MLB franchise back to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.
The state announced April 23, it will be funding minor league and spring training facilities to help promote tourism. Florida, home of the Grapefruit League and several Minor League baseball teams, has relied on spring training and MiLB teams as a revenue source in the past.
With many outdated stadiums and training facilities in the state, including Plant City Stadium, this initiative will help rejuvenate that revenue source.
It is not yet known if Plant City would be considered for this or if the city is even eligible, because it currently has no MLB or MiLB tenant. But with several MLB franchises searching for new spring training homes, it’s too early to rule the possibility out.
The Toronto Blue Jays are one of those teams seeking a new home. Their lease with Dunedin expires in 2017. The Washington Nationals and Houston Astros also could be looking for new training homes.
Dunedin is also the home to the Dunedin Blue Jays, the Class-A Advanced affiliate of Toronto.
Imagine having not only an MLB team hold its spring training here, but also having a Minor League team play all summer long in Plant City Stadium. Not to mention, the swarm of snowbirds and Canadians that Plant City attracts during the Florida Strawberry Festival, which coincidently fits in nicely with spring training dates.
One thing is for sure: The city is interested in getting quality, long-term use out of the stadium while saving upkeep money in the process. Whether its a replica ballpark, a soccer development academy or the new home of a professional baseball team, the future of Plant City Stadium seems bright for the first time in more than a decade.
