There may be no more divisive topic here in Charlotte than baseball in the center city. At issue is a complex land swap between the board of education and the Charlotte Knights to build a stadium in second ward. The Charlotte Knights, a Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, currently have a stadium complex in Fort Mill South Carolina, just over the state line. Since the new trend in urban planning is to build a sports complex in the downtown areas, the city want to build a stadium to complement Bank of America Stadium and Bobcats Arena.
This plan has run into some opposition from more than one group. First from those who know that there's no such thing as a free stadium. While the stadium was said to be paid for by the Knights owner, the city would still have to provide adequate infrastructure to and around the park which currently do not exist. Those involved in Charlotte politics have lost faith in any proposal put before the residents because the cost over-runs are usually staggering. By the end of the project, don't be surprised if the infrastructure cost more than the actual stadium.
Next are from those who don't want a minor league stadium in the center of town. I am in this crowd. The proposed stadium will be too small to host a major league team and the site will not allow for future expansion. Therefore, Charlotte will be a minor league city with little hopes of capturing a big name team. I love the knight's current location in Fort Mill. Anyone who has been to a game knows there's plenty of parking, its easy to get to, and its easy to get on the highway and get home.
Finally is from those who want Charlotte to be able to get a major league team. The two teams always in talks to move are the Florida Marlins and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The D-Rays are the only team in major league to make it to the playoffs and both want a new stadium (cause that'll make them successful). Charlotte is a player in this and ranks pretty high among cities courting major league teams. Of course, such a move could happen next season or 30 years from now. However, most residents are still reeling from the Charlotte Coliseum.
The Coliseum was opened in 1988 off of Tyvola Road to host the Charlotte Hornets and for concerts, big events, etc. It was the largest basketball arena in the entire NBA league, seating over 24,000. By 2002, the Hornets had relocated to New Orleans and the Coliseum was no longer a money maker. In one of its final uses, the Coliseum played host for Katrina victims. In 2006, the land was sold to an Atlantadeveloper and the building imploded to make way for a mixed-use development. In 2005, the smaller 18,000 seat Bobcats arena was constructed costing the taxpayers an estimated $260 million. The controversal arena was constructed without voter consent as the referendum to build the arena was defeated by voters. However, the city council found a way to pay for the stadium anyway.
For now, there are folks suing the city as a stop gap hoping not to repeat the mistakes of the recent past. In the meantime, check out the Charlotte Knights in Fort Mill some evening.
1 Comments on Is Baseball Ever Coming to Charlotte?
APR
08
2008
Jonathan, I don't know, I would think that the Marlins would make the most sense, I don't know how many games can be played to crowds of less than 5000 and a team still remain viable. I know that with their low payroll and with revenue sharing they will be profitable, but is that good for baseball. I do think that if I were a resident I too would be a little miffed at the expeditures on stadiums. In the mean time have fun with the Knights!
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There may be no more divisive topic here in Charlotte than baseball in the center city. At issue is a complex land swap between the board of education and the Charlotte Knights to build a stadium in second ward. The Charlotte Knights, a Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, currently have a stadium complex in Fort Mill South Carolina, just over the state line. Since the new trend in urban planning is to build a sports complex in the downtown areas, the city want to build a stadium to complement Bank of America Stadium and Bobcats Arena. 
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