A proposed waterfront ballpark to attract the Angels to Long Beach could cost more than $1.1B, and the city has "received a study that explores options for paying some or all of that cost," according to documents cited by Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. The Angels have "not committed to move to Long Beach, and the city has not committed to pay anything toward the construction" of a ballpark. However, the report comes as California’s large coastal cities have for the most part "rejected the idea of paying for professional sports facilities." Even if the Angels agreed to move to Long Beach this year, a new ballpark probably "wouldn’t open" there before the '25 season. The menu of financing options presented to the city "included several that would require voter approval, which could be challenging to secure." As they "evaluate opportunities in Long Beach, the Angels are preparing to start discussions with the city of Anaheim for a similar project." The city of Anaheim is "awaiting the results of an Angel Stadium land appraisal before negotiating" with the team. The Angels have said that they "hope to decide between Anaheim and Long Beach by year’s end" (LATIMES.com, 5/14).
