According to a report from Dave Kaplan, the Cubs have decided to keep their Spring Training home and facilities in Mesa, Arizona. Kaplan reported the deal would still require approval by the Mesa city council, which is expected to approve the financial package on Monday night.
Updated 5:20pm CST – With Additional Information from ESPN Chicago Once the council approves the financial package, the Cubs will read through Mesa’s proposal and review it.
“The city council is expected to approve plans for the massive undertaking, which would include a new state-of-the-art stadium, offices and year-round facilities, reportedly east of the current site. The Cubs would be the only tenants instead of sharing their site with another team, as do the White Sox and several other teams in Arizona.”
Update – According to a report from Bruce Levine, Mesa is the Cubs’ first choice to build their new Spring Training complex.
As reports have indicated, the Cubs will decide on one location while keeping the other one in play … just in case.
The money for the site will have to be approved and allocated by legislatures in Maricopa County and the state of Arizona, and an announcement may not come until next week.
The cost of a new spring training home has been estimated at $80 million, while the Cubs bring an estimated $52 million every spring to Arizona. If Arizona is not able to secure the money, the Cubs are likely to go back to developers in Naples, Fla., to revisit talks about a facility there.
The new state-of-the-art facility would feature a ballpark with a capacity of 15,000 to 18,000, which would make it the largest spring training park. The facility also would feature a Wrigleyville atmosphere, which would include hotels, restaurants and bars within walking distance of the new park.
Stay Tuned …