The Portland Diamond Project has “zeroed in” on a $50M land purchase at the RedTail Golf Course that would result in a 164-acre site for an MLB ballpark that would be the "biggest land development" in league history, according to sportswriter John Canzano. The Portland Diamond Project spent “almost a year weighing whether it was feasible for a ballpark to be part of the mayor’s revitalization project at Lloyd Center Mall.” But the focus for the group has "pivoted from the Lloyd Center to a much bigger piece of property” also owned by the city of Portland. The Lloyd Center "wasn't going to work with the timeline" or be "impressive enough to ‘wow’ MLB officials.” The property is only 27.1 acres and “remains tied up by a variety of leases and contracts that make it tricky to obtain in a timely fashion.” The Portland Diamond Project is expected to "present a written offer to purchase the golf course property," and after that there will be a "vote by the mayor and four city commissioners." As Portland has looked at bringing baseball to the city, a pro-MLB effort in Salt Lake City -- “Big League Utah” -- has “evolved rapidly and is busy making a louder, more sophisticated pitch” to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. The group recently hosted A’s officials for a tour as Salt Lake City hopes to host the team "while its new stadium in Las Vegas is being built." The group “even erected a series of billboards in the region, trumpeting its support” (JOHNCANZANO.com, 1/30).
