The Angels opted out of their long-term lease at Angel Stadium in favor of a one-year deal through '20GETTY IMAGES
The Angels are "in talks" with local officials about the "possibility of moving the team" to Long Beach and building a new ballpark on a downtown waterfront lot, according to sources cited by Jason Ruiz of the LONG BEACH POST. Significant details are "not yet clear, such as the cost" of the ballpark and "who would pay for it." Many layers of approval "would also be required." Sources said that the ballpark would "potentially be constructed on a roughly 13-acre lot southeast of the Long Beach Arena and Performing Arts Center." Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia said, "We have approached the Angels to express our interest and discuss the possibilities of this opportunity." Ruiz notes the Angels in October "opted out" of their long-term lease at Angel Stadium, but in January, Angels and Anaheim officials "agreed to a one-year lease extension" through '20. Anaheim Chief Communications Officer Mike Lyster said that "nothing has changed" since the City Council approved the extension. Lyster said that he expects talks over a "long-term agreement to last several months." Lyster said that the last time the two sides met, Angels officials said that "their focus would be on Anaheim." However, he added that there would be "no penalty to the team if they negotiated with another city" (LBPOST.com, 2/26).
HOMEWARD BOUND: In L.A., Bill Shaikin noted the Angels have "not looked outside" the L.A. market, and it is "believed Anaheim and Long Beach are the only sites the team currently is considering." It is "far too soon to know whether Long Beach can deliver a realistic proposal -- including where the Angels might play immediately after their lease expires, since new ballparks require several years for environmental approvals, financing and construction." Garcia said the ballpark exploration talks have been "very preliminary" (LATIMES.com, 2/25).
