Cubs Considering Investing In Spring Training Facility In Naples

Cubs Have Held Spring Training In AZ Since The '50s, Could Be Using Naples As Bargaining Chip

The Cubs are "considering making a financial investment in a proposed spring training facility near Naples, Fla.," according to sources cited by Ameet Sachdev of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Chicago-based Esmark co-Founder & President Craig Bouchard, who is "leading an effort to lure the Cubs to Florida," said that the team is a "possible investor in the proposed development." A Cubs official "confirmed that the team is exploring a number of options, including a financial interest in a Florida spring training complex." The Cubs have held Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona, since the '50s and Sachdev notes, "Conventional wisdom suggests the Cubs are using Naples as a bargaining chip to get the best financial deal in Arizona." Still, Naples is "making a serious bid." Bouchard said that his company "would be the lead investor in a proposed spring-training complex." He added that he is "looking to raise" $80-100M to "redevelop about 100 acres in southwest Florida." It is "not clear how much the Cubs would invest, but the team is looking for a 15,000-seat stadium, practice fields and a state-of-the-art training facility." Cubs Chair Tom Ricketts and President Crane Kenney "met last week with" Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, who "expressed interest in supporting Naples' bid" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/9).

BONDING AGENT: WFTS-ABC reported a national bond agency has "assigned AA ratings to the bonds that will be used to renovate Ed Smith Stadium" in Sarasota, where the Orioles will hold Spring Training beginning in February. The bonds are "being paid for by Sarasota County's one-half cent local government sales tax and are expected to be priced in January" (ABCACTIONNEWS.com, 12/8).