Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium has not undergone a major renovation since opening in '98ROGER DEAN CHEVROLET STADIUM
The Marlins and Cardinals "want Palm Beach County to help pay" for a $100M upgrade to Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Fla., according to a front-page piece by Jennifer Sorentrue of the PALM BEACH POST. Among the list of renovations are: "new and expanded clubhouses for both teams; agility fields; more batting tunnels; the expansion of the tam store; Wi-Fi for fans; a new scoreboard; and more shaded seating areas." The stadium, home to Spring Training for both clubs, opened in '98, and county officials said that it has "never undergone a major renovation." The Marlins and Cardinals "have a lease to use the stadium that expires" in '27. Officials said that if the renovation is approved, the teams "would extend their lease" until '47, which is also when the Astros' and Nationals' leases in West Palm Beach expire. Under the proposal, the Marlins and Cardinals would "pay part of the renovation costs, although the exact amount is still being discussed." The teams also "hope to get" as much as $50M from the state, a pledge that would be paid over a 25-year period. Under the proposal, the county would "use tourism tax money" to pay for the ballpark renovation. Marlins Exec VP/Operations & Events Claude Delorme said that the venue's basic systems, including its plumbing lines, are also in need of "significant upgrades" (PALM BEACH POST, 5/11).
