Red Sox to Sarasota for spring training?
According to the Herald Tribune, people in Sarasota, Fla. are planning to build a $70 million spring training park to lure the Red Sox to move in:
SARASOTA — A $70 million stadium with 12,000 seats is being dangled in front of the Boston Red Sox to lure them here for spring training.
Industry watchers say it would be the most expensive spring training facility ever built in Florida, one on par with the bigger stadiums being used to woo teams to Arizona.
[...]
The plan has early support from both the city and the county, as well as Sarasota's lead tourism booster.
"The initial response is that the Red Sox would bring more of an impact," said Virginia Haley, president of the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau. "So it seems like there would be more consideration for the Red Sox than other baseball teams or a different entertainment venue."
The stadium would have 10,000 stadium seats, party decks along both the first base and third base lines, and berm seating. The cost estimate includes furniture and equipment for the Red Sox clubhouse and locker rooms.
It's quite a strong proposal if Sarasota decides to go through with it. The Sox already sell out in spring training, add a beautiful, brand new park to the discussion with more seats and the Sox will be rolling in the dough. We know the Sox like their moolah, so I wouldn't see much holding them back to stay in Ft. Myers.
Thoughts from Red Sox Nation?
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5 comments
Comments
Not Holding My Breath
As a long-time New Englander and current Sarasota resident, I’m desperately trying to ignore/forget this until something official happens. Not that Ft. Myers is that far from here, but having them right in Sarasota would be amazing.
by cgasparro on May 28, 2008 3:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Citizensforsox.com
I am also a long time New Englander who moved to Sarasota last March and I’m getting involved in citizensforsox.com. If you are interested sign up and see how you can get involved and use your support to bring the Red Sox to our new hometown! In the coming days there will be information regarding a public information meeting next week. Stay tuned, and let’s work together to bring the Sox to Red Sox Nation Sarasota!
by SoxFan34232 on May 29, 2008 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boo.
Nothing against Sarasota, but my folks are retiring to the Fort Myers area.
Plus, they’d be sacrificing their ST rivalry with the Twins. What’s it called, the __ Cup?
Manny ain't the only bad man.
by tommy.otm on May 28, 2008 9:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Mayor’s cup … if you can call that a ‘rivalry.’
by Randy Booth on May 28, 2008 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here’s an update to the whole Sarasota thing:
http://abc7pransky.abc-7blogs.com/2008/05/28/red-sox-to-sarasota-the-real-deal/
by Randy Booth on May 29, 2008 1:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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