Portland Diamond Project swings for fence in Salem

Yahoo

24-03-2025

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The road to bringing Major League Baseball to Portland goes through Oregon's Senate Finance and Revenue Committee on Monday as supporters step up to the plate to fund construction with a bid competitive with other cities.
The pitch is not a curveball. The along with city leaders will throw their weight behind , which would to $800 million. The bill, if passed, and team employees instead of taxing Oregonians.
Back in 2003, , which laid out $150 million in bonds if Portland was awarded an MLB team. But the bonds had to be paid back within 30 years — the
Earlier in March, Portland Diamond Project founder Craig Cheek, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Metro Chamber President Andrew Hoan made a similar pitch to a House committee.
'We believe the state's support is critical for this project's success. We asked legislators to revisit SB5, originally passed in 2003, and update the law to better reflect the current revenue generated by players salaries and the rising costs to build a world-class stadium in downtown Portland,' 'This would not be a new tax on Oregonians. We look forward to working with the legislature to make Oregon better with baseball.'
Last week, Cheek said this is an opportunity that may not come around again for decades since Major League Baseball is currently trying to add two new teams.
'We know Major League Baseball is eyeing up an expansion plan in the very near future,' Cheek said. Getting the amendment added to Senate Bill 110 is one of 'the steps that are necessary to put very serious dollars on the table to attract a team to downtown Portland, Oregon. All I can say is that this will be transformative for our city, for our region, for our state, for our community.'
Cheek, Wilson, Hoan and local economist Mike Wilkerson are expected to testify to the Senate committee on Monday. The hearing begins at 8 a.m.
In early March, the Portland Diamond Project released renderings of a proposed ballpark at the current site of Zidell Yards on the South Waterfront in direct proximity to the Willamette River.
Portland is considered a strong contender for an MLB team. Other strong contenders include Salt Lake City, Nashville and Montreal.
KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story and have more information later in the day.
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