A’s Reach Deal To Build “Cisco Field” In Fremont

Wolff Has Reportedly Reached A Deal To Build Ballpark In Fremont

A’s Owner Lew Wolff told San Jose officials that the team has reached a deal with Cisco Systems to build a new ballpark called Cisco Field — “probably 32,000 to 35,000 seats — filled with Cisco-produced infrastructure” on company-held land in Fremont, according to Barry Witt of the SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS. The deal is contingent on Fremont approving a “large-scale development plan for the ballpark, as well as homes and shops, on a 143-acre parcel.” Cisco holds a 34-year lease on the property and has an option to buy it from the developer in the next three years. Wolff said that he “would fund part of the expected ballpark’s expected $400[M] or more price tag through profits that would be created” by development of the land. Cisco CEO John Chambers has used “a ballpark setting in recent weeks to demonstrate his company’s new intelligent networking systems, showing how” a fan could use a wireless device for a variety of game services. San Jose Council members said that Wolff “had not decided yet” on the team’s name, but “offered ‘Fremont A’s’ and ‘Silicon Valley A’s’ as possibilities” (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 11/9).

SAN JOSE OFFICE: In San Jose, Mark Purdy notes Wolff yesterday opened a four-person office in San Jose “as his people try to assemble a deal” for an MLS franchise in San Jose and “begin marketing the A’s more aggressively to the South Bay.” He also wants to build a new soccer stadium — “perhaps after striking a deal with San Jose State that will also give” their football team a new home (MERCURY NEWS, 11/9). Wolff said that “nothing extra should be read into” the new office. Wolff: “We just said, the heck with it. We’ll put both (logos) up there, sell some tickets. They’re both under the same umbrella anyways” (SAC. BEE, 11/9).

PRAISE FOR WOLFF: In Oakland, Carl Steward writes the “persistent endeavors of Wolff deserve nothing but respect and thanks, if only for the sweat and selflessness he’s putting into an honest-to-God, privately financed dream that benefits the baseball appetite of as many people as possible” (OAKLAND TRIBUNE, 11/9).