Rhode Island Senate unveils revised PawSox stadium bill

A Rhode Island Senate committee has released a revised bill that would build a new ballpark for the Pawtucket Red Sox, but whether that happens remains uncertain. A brief, one-sentence response from a spokesperson for the team certainly did not indicate a warm reception.

The bill aimed to address concerns raised about a planned $83-million project that would build a ballpark near Slater Mill to replace McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, directing more money to the city. Among 11 changes made to the initial bill is the requirement that 50 percent of ballpark naming rights – an estimated $250,000 – be directed to Pawtucket.

The new bill, which calls for a 30-year lease puts the team’s share of new stadium costs at $41 million. The state would be responsible for $26 million, with Pawtucket on the hook for $18 million.

In addition, under the proposed new legislation, revenue from a premium ticket surcharge would go to Pawtucket and not the state, as previously outlined.

Read more: https://worcestermag.com/2017/12/07/rhode-island-senate-unveils-revised-pawsox-stadium-bill/55803