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Home My WebLink About- - Big League Dreams Pt. 2 RFP - 10/4/2011oraeard Baseball APH119,1999 Vi"rtualRealiqN MnCalifornia�� VOLUME 90, NO. 16 Replicas of Yankee Stadium, Fenway and Wrigley dazzle weekend warriors By DAVID DAVIS yF: I K E f'1 RST time Carl Nlaybin wdkied into Big ieague Dreams Sports Park, the 68 -year-old retiroo thought he had died and gone to heaven. What he saw was a three -quarter - scale replica of Wrigley Field, with ivy be- ginning to creep across the brick outfield wall, He also saw a similarly shrunken twin of Yankee Sradium, with the famous facade crowning the bleachers, and a similzu-ly re- duced version of Fenway Park, with its sig- nature Green Monster in leftfield, Soon Maybin found himself experienc- ing nirvana: He was actually playing hi the faux Fenway, "1 couldn't believe it,° he re- calls. "I'm from Boston originally, and to play in Fenway it's just awesome Big League Dreams is the brainchild of Ron Odekirk and his sons, Rick and Jeff. They designed and built this fantasy play- ground for softball and youth -baseball play- ers to indulge th& major league fantasies on natural grass. located in Cathedral City, Calif., 120 miles east of Los Angeles, the complex has been packed since it opened in January 1998, Indeed, the only thing bet- ter than gazing at replicas of the three beloved stadiums is playing bail in them. &It6tmGotsi astfankeesfans can play in the House that Ruth Built, complete with faux fans and the Santa Rosa Mountains. "I've played on Gelds all across the coun- try, and I've never seen a park as good as these' says [vlaybin, a resident of nearby Desert Hot Springs and the proud owner of two senior softball world series rings. The three Odekirks brought more than 50 years of collective basebt ll experience to the project. Ron, 68, played in the NFew York Yankees organization in the carty 1950s and reached the Class A level tach Victoria in the old Western rnternadonal League. Rick, 41, was an undersized left- PI10TO[,KAPH$ 13Y JOHN IV. M C D 0 K 0 U 0H _APRIL 19, 1999 carecaurd handed pitcher and bit player on USC's 1978 national championship team; he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers and spent 13 years bouncing around the minor leagues with the Milwaukee, Kansas City, Oakland, Cincinnati, Texas, Baltimore and Cleveland organizations. Jeff, 34, was a shortstop prospect, but knee injuries ended his career while he was still at USC. The family says the idea for the sports park came from a desire to provide week- end warriors with a major league environ- ment to play in. "Whether we played pro- fessionally or didn't make our high school teams, all of us have the same dream to SPORTS i I LUSTRATED play in the big leagues" says Rick "We give softball players and Little Leaguers a place to play out their dreams." After his sons came up with the idea for the fantasy park, Ron, a real estate devel- oper, pored over photographs of the actu- al stadiums to capture their unique features. The fields were built to softball league specs. The $6 million complex was funded by the Odekirks, n private investors and the municipality of Cathe- dral City. H{ T ��A� The replicas have the �'. ' � originals' quirky dimen- sions. For example, Fen - way Pant's playing field measures 310 feet to left, 390 in center and 302 in average guy to be able to hit one out' says Rick Odekirk. "You don't have to be a 6.3", 250 -pound giant --like your average fast - pitch softball star—to clear the wall." There's even a crowd in the bleachers. Actually, the lifelike fans are vinyl prints taken from panoramic photographs of spectators at the real ballparks. Thus, it appears that thousands of sun -drenched fans are watching from Cathedral City's Wrigley Field bleachers and from apart- ments on Waveland and Sheffield avenues. (Real spectator seats are located behind each backstop; they were in Anaheim Sta- dium until its renovation, completed in 1998.) The Big League Dreams park is a multi - sport facility that also has batting cages, beach -volleyball courts, a roller -hockey rink, basketball courts, soccer fields and a The Odekirks planted ivy at Wrigley tleTV and got the Green Monster's eeleprights right; the bullpens are in right center, and the Green Monster, in left, is 37 feet high. The Cathedral City Fenway measures 280 feet to the leftEield pole, juts out to 310 in left center, evens out at 295 feet where the bullpens are located and finishes at 270 feet down the rightfield line. The mini–Green Monster stands 25 feet tall. "We want the restaurant. A 10 -game season costs soft- ball teams $300 per club to play at one of the fields, and admission for a fall -day tick- et to the recreational areas is only $1. Com- panies and groups can rent out all or a por- tion of the park for private functions at costs ranging from several hundred ro sev- eral thousand dollars a day. The Odekirks have been approached by some 40 cities across the U.S. to build sim- ilar structures, and so Far they plan to do so in Riverside and Chino Hills, Calif., bo}h near Los Angeles. Rick says they'll repli- cate different historic parks—probably Brooklyn's Ebbers Field, New York's Polo Grounds and Cincinnati's Crosley Field. "We did these three first because they're the most popular stadiums in the country;' he says. "But we'd like to do others because people love playing in the old stadiums." David Davis, who lives In I.A., is a freelnnczr and frequent contributor to SI. BY GEORGE F. TRUPPELLT Dreaming of the Big Leagues athedral City is a community of main ly working class families. The city has always worked hard to provide good recreational facilities for its residents. Some of the fust capital improvements after the city's incorporation in 1982 were parks and a community recreation center. As the city grew, the need for additional parks and recreational facilities also grew. Unfortunately revenue did not keep pace with development Through the mid 90's one of the main goals of the city was to construct another major city park The question was how to meet our goal wit, only limited resources. The challenges for building a major recreational facility on city -owned land were numerous. The fust challenge was to identify what elements the park should contain. To accomplish that task the city hired an outside consultant that prepared several different park configura- tions based on input from the commuud- athedial M, Caff., realizes the benefits of a public private partnership ty and city council. The plans ranged from a large, passive park, to one that included a new recreation centers ball fields, and a swimming pool. After much review the city elected to move for- ward with a design that included almost everyone's wishes, The estimates to construct the park and pool were around $7 mil- lion+ In an effort to fund the project, the city went to the voters in March o£ 1996 with two bond measures. One of the key ele- ments that rose to the surface of the debates was the ongoing maintenance costs of the park element The pool was going to be maintained by the adjacent school district, but the park maintenance costs were estimated at $500,000 per year. The high annual maintenance costs were the points that those opposed to the bonds and the projects used to defeat both measures, Once the bond measures failed it was clear that the city needed to find a way to build a recreational facility that would not directly impact local property owners and had no ongoing maintenance costs. in late 1995, while I was the Economic Development Director for the city, I received a proposal from a company that wanted to build a pay -to -play sports park that included replica baseball/softball stadiums, roller hockey, soccer fields, and a sports restaurant They called their project Big League Dreams. After hearing their proposal, I felt it would be a tremendous asset to Cathedral City. I presented the idea to the city man- ager and was given the green light to move forward and look for possible sites within the city. We had estimated the sports park would require about 20 acres of land. Several sites were avallable, but each had limitations and drawbacks. It was shortly after I received the Big League Dreams proposal that the city bond issue to constrict a new park and pool failed, Knowing that the citywanted to build a park on the 20 acres of land it owned, I explored the possibility of Jlfi+,ki + building the sports park on the city site. Tb make the project more appealing to the city, we explored the possibility of Big League Dreams also constructing and maintaining a five -acre passive public park around the sports park 1 presented the idea to the city coun- cil in closed session. I knew they would be concerned about moving forward with a completely different project on the. same site we had just proposed building a typical city park Fortunately the council saw the same opportunity I did. We could get much more than just a park and the best part was that the deal would create a positive financial impact for the city and give our residents world- class playing facilities without costing the taxpayers one dollar. Once the city council endorsed the ; SMEMER/Wrclsex 2001 uo01:8H: E: proposal, the city agreed to lease its 20 - acre park site to Big League breams for 30 years. The city also agreed to use its bonding rapacity to obtain funding for the construction costs. The entire cost of the project was $6.3 million. Big League Dreams would be responsible for mak- ing the quarterly debt service payments on the taxable lease bonds for the full thirty year term. The bond council for the project was Stone and Youngberg. The bonds have a variable rate from 7.03 percent to 8.02 percent over the 30 -year term and are insured by MBIA_ in addition to making the debt s ezvice payments on the bond issue, Big League Dreams agreed to share its profits with the city. After three years of operations, the city would begin receiving 3 percent of everything over $2 million gross. The amount increases to 5 percent over $2,5 million, and 7 percent over $3 million. The project was finally approved and in March of 1997 the city council approved the sale of the construction bonds. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in April of 1997. The finished project far exceeded our expectations and was completed and opened to the public in January 1998. YHE exNalp TS By entering into a public-private partner- ship the city was able to construct a world-class facility for less money than if the city constructed the project itself. By having a private developer construct the sports park the city and developers legal counsel determined the project could be built without being impacted by prevail- ing wages. This allowed the developer to put about 20 percent more into improv- ing the features of the project, something the city could not have done. Based on 500,000 people coining through the gates annually and 35,000 out-of-town visitors attending tourna- ments each year, it is safe to say the eco- nomicvalue to the community at large is about $13 to $15 million per year. That is a significant impact to the city and the entire region. Our project has received numerous awards -including the 'Best Public - Private Partnership' from the League of California Cities -and has been seen on national television. NBC Sports televises rJJKQW� Ste' MER/OcroBF.R 20011 the 'Pepsi All-Star Softball Game' to a national audience annually from our park Cathedral City Big League Dreams Park has become one of the most popu- lar corporate events venues in Southern California The economic development benefits have already led to a new hotel that wants to tap into visitors of the sports park Our park is a park for the residents and first and foremost meets the needs of our local youth and adult sports teams. Because of the 'replica stadiums' and the world -mass facilities and maintenance our residents are given a chance to feel like they are actually playing in the 'big leagues.' Sports accommodated at the pack include baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, indoor soccer, roller hockey, beach volleyball, flag football and others. A simple example of the benefits to our community is the parrs popularity with our residents. Before the park opened, there were 16 youth baseball teams playing in the city. Now there are more than 60 teams (as well as 40 teams playing winter baseball), representing approximately 900 kids, And the number REPRINT GOINff �IRTI�LE This article reprinted in its entirety from the September/October 2001 issue of Government Wert magazine with permission from Cott Stewart, Inc 1005 12th Street, Suite H, Sacramento, CA 85614 (416) 442-2284 of adult softball teams has gone from 38 in 1997 to nearly •200 today. These increases are a direct result of the sports staff at Big League Dreams promoting the park to local businesses and aiding in the creation of teams and scholarships. We would never have had the city staff time or expertise to accomplish this. • George E Ttrtppelli is a former City Manager of CariWral City, Caltf=ia. Dreams USA. NESNrT YOUR COMMUNITY bE5ERVE THE BEST RECREATIONAL FACES? ° No Cost to Taxpayers ° Zero City Maintenance Costs Long Term Economic City Benefits World -Class Facilities • Multi -Use... Baseball 5oftball Basketball Soccer Volleyball Roller hockey Group Events Morel TQ inquire abool W' 091419 o Big teai3ue Dreaan5 park tv your comhruniIy tonTnr.r Don Webber at 760831 4080 r Building and Operating Family Recreation Facilities Through Public -Private Partnerships J � r.' Nov.10ec. 2002 IiT-/.= 41T 1 � "ti" ly and the ollywoW All Stars ` help open new parr 10herfesf ncster Huai Christmas 4 Guide Inside rnarrre�� ruments Leagiue Urrviarau %Z� When you celebrate she grand opening cf a 14.5 million dollar slate-of- the-ari sports park (hat features six replicas of legendary Major Leaguo stadiums, it's only logical to invite fornermajorleague players... And why not have them play the Hollywood All -Stars in a celebrity ' softball game, to boot. That was the scene, plus much more, at Big League Dreams III, which opened its doors on November 2 in Chinoj Hills. California. The magnificent 33 -acre complex, the biggeat and best w ,!ate of the Big League Dreams, S also features balling cages. snnd volleyball courls and a covered indoor soccer Geld, not to mention a skate park, two restaurants, tot - lot and pro shop. If you can't fund something todo at Big League Dreams, you're not looking for sOmcthino to do! Ex•Oodgor Jerry Ruess gets his first start in years. Rick Odekirk, Big League Dreams managing partner, is the first to agree that the new park is the best. "We will never be able to top this one," Odekirk told the crowd at (he ribbon•culling ceremony before the Dodgers of Old played the Hollywood All -Stars. But with scvcral Big League Dreams in the pluming stages. the next one in Redding, California (due to open within a year), [here will be oppurtundes to lop the facility in Chino Hills. It was easy to get caught in the nostaglia of the place, not only for the fans (2,000 allendcned the grand opening), but also for the players and the television stars who got a chance to pursue their "Gelds of dreams." The list of athletes and celebrities in attcndartace was impressive. Maury Wills and Jay Johnstone were on hand for the LA Dodgers and Bill Sharman (more famous for being a Celtic and Lakers coach... and agmduaw of USC) represented the Dodgers via [he Brooklyn days. The Basketball Hall of Famer, in fact, is the only player to be S~ West mvadm 0 Novo Story by Mark Rhodes Photos by Frmario Siri 011: Soveral Oodger greats take par' in pregame ceremony. thrown out of a Major Lcaguc game before ever playing in one, when an umpire ejec(ed the entire Dodger bench dud ngagame in 1951. The famous Dodger infield of the 1970s had a reunion of sorts, as Bill Russcll, Davey Lopes and Ron Coy got together for some ball. Only Steve Garvey, due to other obligations, couldn't make ilio reunion of mt infield that played a record eight straight years together. USC greal Charles White Mike and ex -Ram kicker Mike Lansford were also among the athletes who played. On the celebrity side, Patrick "Puddy" Warbunon. broke up with Elaine long enough to play, as NYPD Blues' Esai Morales took limo off from fighting fake crime to handle the action in left -center. Among the other TV stars' playing were the West Wing's Richard Schiff, and Weekend al Bcmic's Jonathan Silvemian, who payed a solid shortstop —as Bernie watched on. For Russell, gelding to sce and play with his "old buddies" again was a lot of fun. "We don't go( to sec each other that much," said Russell. Russell has another reason to attend the opening, he is working for Big League Dreams in a community relations capacity and despite playing in some of the replicas Cor real (the six fields at BLD III are: Wrigley, Fenway, Yankee Stadium, Tiger Stadium, Ebbcts Field and Crosley Field), the Conner Dodger shortstop was more than impressed with the park, which he says is more like art amusement park than sports complex,'"i'his place is great for the city, it provides world-class fields for the youth and the adults of Chino Hills," said Russell, who in 2002, spent his first year away from baseball in 36 years," 6r- 202 J Above: Ong of the six replicas, Chfcago's Wrigley Field, Right: Chino Hills mayor Gtvenn Norton -Perry curs ribbon rnlh help of city council. Rick Odekirk (middle, back,) looks on, Patrick `Puddy" Warburton makes clean play at second. Patrick Warburton was playing his first game for the Hollywood team, and the Now Jersey native and married father of fourchildren, seemed to be enjoying himself, signing autographs before and after the game, and soaking up the a(mosphere. '"Chis place is stunning," said the Seinfeld and Tick star. "1 want to just have fun and try not make a fool of myself." Esai MoraleS was little more serious about playing softball. 1 love this game, l will play anytime, anywhere," said, Morales, who also starred in the hit movies Ln Bamba and Bad Boys. "I get my aggression out when I play ball. "Like everyone else. Morales was in r,wc of the park. "It's a beautiful place. its like your `own field of dreams.' You're in the outfield, and you feel like there art - people in the stands behind ),on. . watching. It really motivates you 1c play bel(er." Morales reference is to the fake fans in the bleachers who are situated above the fences in the outfield. Fans, that look real from a distance., until you gel closer, and you know you have been hoodwinked. The celebrity softball Same was played on Ebbers Field, apropos since that's where the Brooklyn Dodgers played. The original park opened in 1913 and closed in 1957.The cost to build the park was 5750. NO in 1913, about 13 million dollars less than the third Big Lcaguc Drcams cost to build in 2002. Jerry Ruess, w1w pitched a no -hider for the Dodgers during his nine years with the (cam, pitched for the Dodgers team and said he made the trip to Los Angeles from his Las V gas home hremisa Rilly (Rucsall) asked hire in "II was fun," said Ruess, "I don't play a lot of softball, but 1 pitched wcli, and most importantly...) didn't get hurl.' The Dodgers did look a little rusty in the beginning of the game, especially when Davey Lopes had two straight wiff's before connecting with the ball. The Hollywood ball club had some solid talent, but in the end, the Dodgers held on for a 13.[2 victory, giving Ruess his first win in decades. "This was great," said Rick Odekirk, "[he truth is the City of Chino Hills did an incredible job helping us put this together. The community here is first class." And OdekiA., who played minor league ball, and was a batboy for the Dodgers during the '70s, says that Big League Dream 111 is, first and foremost, a facility for kids. But adults shouldn't worry, they will get their chance to play, afterall, when you attend an amusement park, everyone becomes a kid. 3s 4. ELEMENTS drvu V r -, IN I U -K r Explbring OregoWs". many att.ractions -51-1.I�i -Lill Fields of Dreams AATIth broomsticks for foul poles, their morn's Ajax for lines, said buckets of imagination, Rick and Jeff Odekirk would transform the back yard of their Glendale, California, home into a pretend Dodger Stadium. Some 30 years later, those backyard fantasies helped inspire the brothers to create a multimillion -dollar enterprise. Their company, Big League Dreams (www.bigleaguedreams.com), today builds and operates amateur recreation- al parks that mix entertainment, service and sports into an amalgam some have described as a theme park for athletes. Their signature touch: scale (champion- ship-softball–size) replicas of famous baseball stadiums, such as Chicago's Wrigley Field, faithful down to the ivy- covered brick walls. Rick pursued his own major league dream for a while, working as a bat- boy for the Dodgers, and then pitching for 13 years in the minor leagues. After retiring in 1993, he hosted a popular baseball camp near his Palm Springs–area home. When three times as many kids showed up as expected, he realized that demand to play sports in the area outstripped the supply of ball fields. And he learned that local cities often awned the land but lacked the money or expertise to build and run fields. Quick to recognize an opportunity, Rick got on the phone with his father, Ron, and they laid out the concept for Big League Dreams, Brother Jeff left a sales job to become a partner. Tapping Ron's 40 years of experience as a com- mercial developer, the trio began lay- ing plans and pitching investors. "Ninety percent of the people told us, `That's a great idea, but you'll be out of business in three years,"" Rick says. Undaunted, within a year the 0dekirks raised their half of the $6.3 million needed to build the first park, THu NEWEST VAf1K, 10 CHINO f4l� t,s, CALI- FORNIA, FT:A-f41RES SIX RVIPLICA STA01tirzs. with Cathedral City, California, paying the other half. The park opened in 1998 with three meticulously crafted stadiums—replicas of New York's Yankee Stadium, Boston's Fenway Park and Wrigley Field; two non -repli- ca fields; a covered multisport pavil- ion; restaurants; batting cages; an instructional area; a tot lot and beach - volleyball courts. The company's second park (with three replica stadiums) is in Mira Loma, California, and its third and latest park, in Chino Hills, California (with six repli- ca stadiums) opened in January. The Odekirks have eight other parks in devel- opment, iu California, Nevada, .Arizona and Texas, and are fielding inquiries from as far away as Hawaii and Florida. From Rick and Jeff selling hot dogs and raking the fields at the Cathedral City location, the company has grown to a 200 -plus employee operation with plans to open two to three parks annu- ally. With few competitors, a wide- open field and a formula that allows cities to share in profits without spending on operations or mainte- nance, they're hearing from interested investors who see the potential for even greater growth. Back in their Glendale yard, the Odekirk boys once dreamed of hitting one out of the park. It looks like they've hit an in -the -park home run instead. —Michael F. Tevlin ns ruuusneu in uuvur mum rrex Public -Private Sports Park Benefits Residents, Boosts Funds BY JIM THALMAN Mayor, Chino Hills, California ust 20 years ago, the hilly area west of Chino in San Bernardino County, Calif, was primarily open range, with one two-lane roadway serving as the only life- line to "civilization" in Orange County, All other roads led only to local ranches and dairy farms. But times quickly changed. Within ten years, as population flowed outward from. Los Angeles Count}; Chino Hills grew into a bustling suburb of 42,000 people. By 2000, the cit -/s population had grown to nearly 67,000—and the need for local services had risen along with the number of residents. Fortunately, Chino Hills was a master - planned community, allowing many local services to be paid for out of assessment district fees, building fees, and the like, But one category in which public services fell far short was parks and recreation. The city's abundant pocket parks, de- veloped by residential builders as a con- dition of their developments, were no substitute for a more community -ori- ented park facility of the kind that Chino Hills residents dearly desired, but that the city lacked. In fact, the City was los- ing significant activity revenue each year as local residents chose to participate in the sports and recreation leagues of nearby communities. rmirnuN urs 5i SEPTEMBER/OCTDK 2003 1 luuu�nmutn�� A KEY QUESTION Facing this situation, Chino Hills had al- ready decided to use reserve funds to sup- ply the capital for construction of a community sports and recreation facility. But the city was not yet ready to commit the additional $400,000 from the General Fund each year to pay for the estimated maintenance and operations of a new park. In addition, since the city's develop- ment fund was shrinking, Chino Hills was aggressively looking for additional revenue sources. A VISIT TO CATHEDRAL CITY The Big League Dreams Sports Park in "The park will produce a combined revenue stream and maintenance savings of$ 700, 000 i n Year 1." Cathedral City had proven to be a "home run" for Cathedral City. It accommodated all of the city's youth baseball teams—intriguingly, on replica balls fields designed as scaled-down versions of famous major league ballparks like Yankee Stadium, GVrigley Field, and Fenway Park. The Cathedral City park also provided space for adult softball, basketball, volleyball, roller hockey, indoor soccer, and flag football competitions. And it also gave the city a multi -use covered pavilion that offered a venue for numerous community events during the year. The most exciting part of the public- private partnership, however, was the financial impact: the Big League Dreams Sports Park had actually created a new revenue stream for Cathedral City, and was saving the city more than $400,000 per year in maintenance and operations costs. Impressed with what they saw, Chino Hills officials invited the owners of Big League Dreams to Chino Hills to evalu- ate the feasibility of building a similar park in our city. The talks tivere a success: not only was a suitable park site soon identified and a construction agreement reached, but Big League Dreams pro- posed a revenue payment to the city that would both cover the debt service for the construction costs and ultimately gener- ate more than one million dollars in new city funds each year. AN IMPRESSIVE DEBAT The Big League Dreams Chino Hills Sports Park was completed in January 2003 and consists of six replica baseball/softball fields modeled after Yankee Stadium, GVrigley Field, Fenway Park, Tiger Stadium, Crosley Field, and Ebbets Field. The park is large enough to providing playing space for 360 youth and adult teams during a single season, and baseball tournaments for every age 1_� o OP IRI"RIJMV E T�IT ME As Published In 6ovemment West group are already booked well into 2004. In fact, the park has already attracted the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), which held its Youth Baseball lVorld Series there this past July, with more than 100 teams attending from around the country. The public clearly finds the new facil- ity very appealing. City officials project that the park will host some 400,000 people—mostly local residents—during its first year, compared to the approxi- mately 65,000 that typically use city sports parks annually. City financial officers have been equally pleased by the revenue that the Big League Sports Park generates. Chino Hills officials estimate that the park Nvill produce a combined revenue stream and operations and maintenance savings of $700,000 in Year 1, a figure that is ex- pected to grow each year. But perhaps the greatest benefit comes from seeing the joy on residents' faces as they come to a filled -to -overflowing park each day, watching young and old partic- ipate in array of sports activities, and having a great time at it—here, in their own community's back yard. For more information, contact the Chino Hills City I'vionagers office at (909)364-2612. The ivebsite for Big League Dreams may be vieined at h ttp:1/wive y. big l eag ued rea ms. corn. IE DREAMS USA Doesn't your community deserve the best recreational facilities? { • No Cost to Taxpayers • Zero City Maintenance Costs • Long Term Economic City Benefits �+{ ' ';� • World -Class Facilities • Multi -Use... .'f. Baseball softball Basketball soccer Volleyball Roller Hockey Group Events More! l ' Ta inquiry aboul 4riisyl i,y a Ng l ea gur 6rea mt Pa rk 16 Vau r co mm u nl ty Con1241 ' Dan Robber al gaR.d ]6.2 k14 Fnsasl; dor.,blsc,ii�lo_q'a€#reams corn www b rpleagued rea nss.co n I4I Il I 8uiiding and operating Family Recreation Facilities Through Public -Private Partnerships SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2003 rnn[nu� uru�Ti1T %Fi UUU[lillll[I11 II X004 Pepsi All-Star Softball Game Story By Susan L. Slocum Photos By Ronald Jo Padilla acv thought ilia hia:7l;gr,r of s ilia i!3 ar}ni,i<I Prp'.:.-. .would be the exciting 15-10 victory of the National League team and the sight of their favorite MLS players, In the end, It was Olymplans Jennie inch and Lisa Fernandez that made January 12, 2004 a day to remember. 3eing an Olympic year, NBC startled the Major League players by drop- ping the traditional homerun contest and setting up a soFtbal[ pitching demonstration featuring A] I -star oltcher Jennie Finch (Lisa Fernandez was injured and was not able to pitch during the game). According to troch, "my agent called and passed 'he invitation along. They wanted to add a lithe somethinb-to the week- md, so they invited myself along with Lisa Fernandez. I was honored and very excited about the Invite'. The girls were orl&ally brought n as coaching staff, Finch For the American League and Fernandez for 12 1: '.F �-- ;. n4 5 � - - V A g F Phlilfes' Jimmy RoNns fumbles after r a POP-UP, the National League, advising the top players of the MLB on strategy for hitting the extraordinarily bulky ball. But during the festivities, as the Braves' Marcus Giles, the Padres' Brian Giles and the Athlet[c's Mark Mulder and TIm Hudson watched a number of pitches slide right by, the basebal[ers realized they were in for a surprise. Finch showed her knowl- edge and expertise in pitching. No one got a hit. With the National League up 9-1, the American League gave Flnch a chance to show her stuff. Luring the fifth Inning, the American League teammates decided they needed a pitching change. Finch stepped up to the plate. Her teammates used the opportunity to relax, even sitting down In the field and enjoying a cool drink. While a few contacts were made, they were all foul, Finch struck out both Mike Furze, and Brian Giles Top. Jennie Finch fires a pitch dunng the 7th Inning. Lefi: She made Wm Giles tock silly and his teammates laughed as he missed the high I fast ane. Top: Mike Sweeney messes Mth a security guard as he catches a pop-up. Leff: * Buss Ortiz of the Atlanta 13rayes signs a ball for Shea Larson. before the inning was over. Finch has become a legend since leading the University of Arizona Into the Women's College World Series and helping to lead Team LISA to the gold medal at the Pan Am games, Fernandez is a four -time All-Amerl- can and two-time NCAA College World Series champion from UCLA and has been an inspiration to young girls across the country. Thss was the Firstyear that women were a part of the annual ail -star competition. "Truly the reason why I enjoyed it Is because it has brought attention to fastpitch. Working for 'This )Neek in Baseball' has been a dream come true, just berg sur- rounded by the great players of the dame has been an amazing thrill. I thinkthe players have a new respect for fastpitch, having the opportunity to see it live. For example (they) see what a rise ball does and \Alhat it i if + 1 lGokrs like% Hundreds of teenagers have lifted Finch and Fernandez to idol status. Showing up at the stadium to see their 6NOTlte ball player, young girl's scouted, pen In hand, For a gllmpse oftheir female role models. When asked what Finch hopes this event brings to girls around the country, she states, "The sky is the llmIt. It was tha first time in 24 years that a female was invited to the event. That justshows how far our event has come and women's athletes In general, It is really exciting". She adds, `I think the crowd enjoyed see- ing the challen� between wo, nen and men". The Pepsi All-star softball game, created by Millsport, Legan In 1976 and has featured some of Laseball's greatest stars pitting National League against American League as a way to raise charity funds. Since its founda- tion, over $1 milllon has been raised for thejuvenll� Diabetes Research Foundation. The game will ! e shown on NBC sometime in March. Fo; more Big A, Don't forget to check out jennie's website at4vsal v.jEnnlennch27.com Seare SAI RDAY cordW) t.r eddrg. f;>Ifaria H Re.,d n! 4ed o FaoidSnklS„U FiuFe: Gx ream come true 0M EM IN TWE n[1DS: The Blg League Dreams sports park In ftedd!ng is seen at sunrise Wednesday. The 512 millon project opens today. Top left, M.06ntaln Yen Middia School students examine design dravfrgs at" October 2002 groundbreakng. Top middle, Carpenter Wayne LaFouoteln measures a beam on the canopy between the palls barend restaurant Top right, v;ork is In progress earUef this month on the Yankee Stadium replica field. Team effort makes sports complex a reality By SCett bloWay The city tucked Ihoseffelds in- lion, alcohol sales and all-wealher P2 dSmtrft4 1( side a313.5 million campus built trot to the Southern California Mm's -1 can't tell you how many times Russell wound up his A. specificattoas. The part will we've been told 'No, it could not Bill nal season as a Ls Angeles charge admission and sell aloohoL happen,' " Stupek said. 1 don't Dodgers infielder in 1986. A coach's dream want to offend anyene, hut feel Redding softball enthusiasts that year declared the city needed The Big League Dreams sports like rm giving birth-" The pant offers samethingfor more playing fields.park is nice, than anything Shasta everyone, he said Those two events are no longer College softball coach Sonny Stu- So{tbail players will scoop a cofneldence. pek dared to imagine In his most grounders and dash for home Today, Russell and a host of optimistic moments of lobbying plate on all-weather turf inside other retired pmfesstonalbaseball and planning. downsized classic major league and football greats will help Red- Stupek has spent 33 years sitting stsdiurn knockoffs, They'll watch ding celebrate the end of a sports on three city -appointed sports postgame highlights on video W9 Planning and building OdYs- park committees. He was inter- screens at a 160 -seat restaurant sey. T waakned lawsuits and a ested in the ballfield idea when it Betv+— games, they can perfect hefty water pollution fine were bloomed in the 19609, He watched their swings in batttng cages, lost a few of the obstacles punatu- it the a few years later. He helped Volleyball players will charge "Ung this l8 -year journey. revive the concept inLC13A thenetousandcourts nearby. Russell works for Big league Stine then, Stupek has seen Toddlers can clamor around a su- Dreams, the fnm that will manage sports park planning survive the long-awaited ballfrelds sharp disagreements ovarloca• See G rttple; Ad pf CaaiSdc�+l 's�'gYt,4 H 6141alt�reGriaae' Sermon OWeY Here Is todays Eneup. e 6 p.m,: Gates open e 6 to 7 pm,: Open house and self -guided tours • 6 to 9 p.m.: Betting cages open a 7:45 p.m.: Dedication cere- mony • B p.m.: HaH)Aiood All -Stars vs. Caftfomia Sports Legends softball game Redding's history rich with softball 4 swtt Mob Icy Itmord S.mrh!lgl,r Hie League Dreams proects a Disneyland image light-years from the venerable saftball field along Parkview Avenue just west of City f3a11, where outfielders must Soma— tines dodge wandering geese. Thousands of fans once parked those weathered Parkview stands for national tournaments. Shasta College softball coach Sonny Stuped and other Redding softball enthusiasts have been eager to bring the big contests back to tovm. Redding had no matey budgeted for a sports park in the mld-19-10s, See H&ory, A4 Big League Dreams Satfft, 14 31,20 Ail e ncw-ts.rrddin!}err;: RevxdSemrhlkl7u COMPLEX: Soccerfields will expand the park Contin ued ftoni A-1 pervised plavllromnd that aarbore a sem�oaked plaza Across the way, a supear- marketaize geathermally heated and cooled indoor arena will host soxar, roller hockey, basketball and flag Football. Joggers may round the Wk's five balifiAds on a 1}nreequarter-mile graded dirt path Elva all-weather soccer fields wM expand illb w4cm sports park to 60 acres within a year or two. 'T Just go out there (to the parr and Ogglp," said Me- pek "fm so excited went out and bought a new glove." itwge booster The sports park will stsnd with the Sundial Bridge, the Aquatic Center to Caldwell Park and the restored Cus- rade Theatre as a rehuke to Reddlii , reputation as sr. In• tmUto 5 pit stop, Stupek be, tleis. Shrpek and a few other bustnesrmen were dreaming of a profd-0rlveal park such as Big Imi ue Dreams nearly a decade before the city signed a 3SSear contract with the firm. Stupek revived the softball park idea dmtng a private meetthg with hotel owner Bert .Mayer and Shasta Build- er;' Exciamp Executive Kent Dagg. The coach bad learned that a two-day national softball tournament brought Just over $1 million in hotel and other W re%vnues to College Sta. tion, Texas, where the NorCal Shots woo their 1991 title. Redding that year suffered 12 pavent unemployment City leaders miAt support ball fields that ran Lice a busi- ness and delivered an occa- donal wonomle shot in the arm, Stapek reasoned. Stupek, Dogg, Meyer and a few others on the committee devoted more than a year to re.sarxling sports parks. They visited comptaxea in California, Ongon and Wash- Ingtom They trekked to San Diego on their own dime for a weekend sem ins. Munlelpal ballfelds could pay for themselves —but only under certain conditions, the group ooncludel "They have to be top of the drawer, the best of the best,' Dagg saki "And they have to be private, gated and sell beer." SeleGting a site The committee scrutinized 17 potential sports park prop erdes before reluctantly set- tling on 41 dEyowned arms along Viking Way lust off Old Oregon Trail. Dagg called Viking "the hest of the worst" ales stud- ied The committee wanted at Feast loo acres with high vid- billty and easy freeway as cess. But prime land along In- tersinle s Just south of town was too expensive- The xpensiveThe Viking lend straddles Reddtrnlre largest vernal pool swath. 11 sits neat to me citys garbage trans[er station and the Municipal corporation yard. Neighbors In the rural area vowed to fight the parks They worried about traffic, lights and noise from baJpmes stretching into the wee hours on balmy summery fights. City Manager Mike Warren was cool to the sports peek shortly after becoming top ex- ecative In early 1995. A new Bbrasy would better promote tourism and economic devel. opment, he suggested that Au - But Warren had changed his views by late IM, when the Redding Redevelopment Agency vett aside $3 volition Per softball fields atter polling the tvmmoilty for its prefer. encs A $16,780 olty-commissioned sports park master plan called for six softball fields, two adult baseball fields, 20 acres of soccer fief, a neighbor- hood park and a trail system on the Viking Wayproporty. Teat bark would cast more than $8 nnBilon, the consul- tanrs 1999 report aanciuded The cWo $3 mUlloa would bay 63 more apes to round out the pans property, pay for sewer and water lines and ae- UN OF Gblif: Reversals outfielder Rob Getdrtlef wall for a fy bell Friday moming during pract ee at Fenney Park at Gla Big League Dreams sports pal,L tea road& "For $3 moon, you Tmuld not have seen anything above the ground once we, finished land acquisition and hafras- tructaim" said Him Niamer, community servloes director. '7t was a disappointment" Moving tnrw'ard Then -stats Sen. Maisiee Jo- hanneasen carved $3 InMon more for fhe project out of e state parks and recreation bond Cniiforna voters ep proved to March 2000. That bounty launched the project toward first base. Armed with Its $6 million hudget, Redding planned to build the sports park to stages, starting with three ball fields. The city hoped to turn the park over to a private firm after completing the pro- Ject years or even decades hi thafatam But these plans changed radically within a few months. Supervisor David Ke - hoe had told officials abont a booth hCd seen at a Southern C"brula conference boast- ing of softball in a scaled- down Yankee Stadion or Wrigley Field. City Manager Warren, Feurfo: Jeny Laurita of Dale Consvucbon begns framing the foundaiion of the 819 League Dreams bar and 2slaumnt In December 2002. Councilman Pat Might and Dagg visited Big League Dreams' inaugural sports park In Cathedral City, new Palm Springs. "We walked 10 treat inside the gate, arz 1 stopped in my trackR" Dagg recalled. 'l slid, 'Ibis Is what wave been looking for.' " The trio talked to softball players, Big League Dreams corporate ofllcers and mainte- nance workers. They quiaed CathaIh,al City police about al- cohoUdeled problems at the park. The citys due diligence urn ted up no problems with Big League Dreams, then all of s years oil But the lirm wanled Red- ding to build an $11 m5lVnri park— almost twice as eapen• sive as the dip had budgeted. Warren proposed palling the $5 million difference out of general fund money reaersed for municipal services and salaries. The chy would earn 6 per- cant ercent of the fun's annual prof- its in Redding after awea ye:m, under a contract an slats aegotlated with Big 1 agtta Dreamt Tnat cut of the gate would go to 6 percait should annual sports park profits clear$3-25 m ilt n. Tha profit sharing com• blued with saved nvainte- nonce costs, would pay off [be city's investment atter SO years, Warren seta Four of live council mem- bers approved the deal in April 2001_ Give and take The park opens two years later than RMdmg null boosters and officials expected when the city slgned its deal with Big league, Dreams Pe, mitting and crostruction de, Lays dogged a project that has gone through nearly as many lives as a cat Slupe]< remembers a fleece debate over synthetic turf that nearly killed the park Just a few months ago. The sports park mimwittes Finally embraced the spongy all-weather hof at a public meeting one rainy February anemoon. Maud than one committee member wryly noted the eple downpour. "Did all of us really want One synthetic surface? No. But we realized it serves a lot more pwpic," Stupek said. 'There was a lot of give end Spods puk bcb Hea*V to the spats paea Hess are a four things to keep in atirld- Ocurr • Monday Thursday 4 pm. to 1230 am. • Friday; 4lem to 1 am. • Sahrdarr. 6,30 am. to I am. • Sunday: 630 a.m. to 12.30 am Admlwlon • 13 and over. $2. with $1 hod and drink t*&n • 12 and under. frea • Paye..ra 12 and under. $1, with $1 fond and CVrk token Clift nAn • No Food, drink baso chests avowed meet bol• lied waw. • No alcohol rn the park - Ing bl. • No RV parking .n tlb parting W - take to make this sports park happen. It's been a.neat proo- ess." RepurteSmtl 6fobley ran be reached of 1f,S83" er at amab�ddbngoam. HISTORY: State grant helped project Contfnued from A-1 wben the tocal softball a=- munily was at the top of its game. 7be Redding Rebels won their third consecutive na- tional womai s foot pitch softball championship in 1933. StapMs NorCal Shots A13re the women's C fast pitch na- tional champions in lei. These teams wait their [t- ries two or three tkaa zones away. Redding had hosted Coe Am- ateur Wbail Association Women's MaJor Fast Pitch National Champlon WpiI in 1990 and 13'32. Hot the Park, view softball park was too small and outdated to attract national tournaments after the mid-1990s. The city had hoped to build a &.L'; -field softball palls in time for the 1%2 champion- ships But a divided Gita Council killed the project tbat January, daps before officals were to award a boildingbld. The city, had earmarked 69 acres at me Inieestate W Knighton Road interchange, for the ball. fields. Officials had set aside $1.3 million for a park expected to cost $3.6 roll. Item They planned to finance the rest using fees charged to new homes But Redding. housing In- dustry was waning after Its spectacular 1897 peak Chum Creek Bottom property nwn- ors threatened to bottle up the project in aaurt Finally, %a She= County Board mf Supervisors voted &1 in December 1991 h1 deny Ore oily a sewer permit for the benfi ids Then -Supervisor Maurice Johannessen called [feat deci- sloe 'lecrosense." The former Redding mayor and council member cast the lana vote for granting the palnlf. Eight yearn later, Johannes - sem, sra•ving as state senator, would collar the $10 million in grant money that trade a de- twxe Big League Drams park lu Redding possib'e. ReporleSwUMob kir am be Mdsed at:J3&," or a1 amotdeyingm�r. 6Y WILL MATTHEWS STAFF WRITER LL DOC "Moonlight- Grthimi ever wanted was one shot, one Chance to dig inlo 111c haller'n hox against it hip league pitch- . cr iiia hlo lealglle sladiunl. The renowned Character from the Classic [9ti4 filth "The Field ol'Drcams" had toiled in the minor Icaptes for year:,, but hi, mpirn- fions of becoming, a bisr league hallpiati'Cr always scented (u r0111c up short. ]"Ile one mmol league glob Ilia[ (imh:ilm -ot to play ill ended before Ito eo! is Chance I( hal, his rlrcam of slaring Clown a Imijor Icagne I1ilCher• winkinlr jit',1 as (he pilncCr .docs into Ihr windup ns it' hr kilows ,conle- Ihine Iltr hitcher aklCL 10, rade[[ With il. Uf course, in the fchonal lig-screed talc. Graham's dwanls of ;elfin Iltal clusi c, Inajol Ira; ur ;it h;Il aic It:�CIIL'd ;Ind ultirmilr- I)' realised h'i a ata seal baseball Ileld Knill in Illy middle of ala Iowa Cornfield by Rae {iiu.t'lla. ;I coal [ream with dre;anz of 11is 0W11. I licit arcn'I loan+,, corn Iicl[h fell in IhC lrrl;uut Vall't'. Iml ill os iiinsclla say's ill Ihr mm i,• Ilen:rn is ISIe plaCc wilt- r air;'am, i'(jIIL Ilnl', fhl'n IIIc 1'n1'11 CIU1 ):11 r1;IlM lu it C(Iul)lC nI slices: the Hi.- LC;IruC I)WAnl•. i JJ weaVers � rr kIJFr. � r � y ��Y'• I' „I 1 � ,J J t I �r.i .".1 71 ) J i sports parks it) Chino }sills and Mira Lorna, "The reason why kids like playing here is I)CCiMse they feel like they are playing in a real big league stadium," said Darrell Miller, general nlana�cr of the Chino Hills facility who planed parts of five scasons for the then -California: Angels, "For 99 percclll of these kids, Ihcy won'l over make the major leagues. This is their major Ic.I, uc experience. 5o in it lot ul way,, we are. helping to lacilitatc and fullilj o licst known for its lields huill as replicas ul' fatuous uufior league h ischidl sladiums past and present, Bip League Drc.utts has been holh inspiring and fulfilling major lea m- dreams since il; fit%[ htrility opellcd in Calhe[dtal C'ily ill It798. IJ fir venue was joined by the Milo Loma k -wilily in 2(;(10k and the Chino HiIN facility -- charac(crizcd its the ••C'a[lilkw- of the dirge I31g, Lt-:11LIC DfUMI)s {!arks hecatlu• nlits sis r c,I sliidi(Ints -- I:1',t welt. '"la'cn 1'clnlh �.Ien' in the ('oaluhrh;l Valley in pla)'ed their now," Bili 12ussrll. Ihr 1o1'010 [ s Is rin tlrs I )od 'Cr shortstop and manager, who is Big League Dreams' director of new development and puhlie relations, said of the Cathedral City venue. "No one knew how big it was going (o get- But it really should have been little sur})rise, These parks contain a little bit of evcryfhing than is great about hasehall." !n both Chino Hills and Mim Lomat, hordes of youth baseball players with visions of the majors dancing in their head, play in iea-ues based al the Big LeagoC DIV,1olS',polls parks. And of the Chino }dill., facility alone. mor[- than i(x) adult softball leanly play in Ietlgues each year, with pltyern rcrsliniscin.' ;Ihnul ll C aIreonts of (heir childhoods. "People love to talk about (he gantry Hill they pf.ayed in here '• Miller said. " 'I wens yard at ;~cnway Park over the Grccrt h'lonstrr' or 'I got the tnw-+winning hit w FbIlcis Field tori Ili.' It is something to (alk about. R is oaneiliiiw- to (Ac ;I lot ill' glide in, And (he): an' ulliquc e.xperienccs lhat Ically canllot i,C rrpliralcd. I thin!. ils <_rral.. a � � t � � ' i'fl�ni ;:: +1.. f�':�rw-'; Nair!•, Liati.� l �a„Ir, IlfI 'r ',vi 1'J I. i '1 i.iinil.Jar:•,irl��r p.i-^iii �; i�� ii }fV`r9 t+ I'. ;asst 1, ::��i�l : +ir.riul+ nI I:ilt�i•: i fill, LIVING HERE. 2004 • INLAND VALLEY DAILY BULLETIN 179 04dans010M erns • WMiV3 3WA �t1A. 7 9 wp W J z0 Z LUmg W Z F P Cd7 'o u1 Q lW7 w¢ z O � 0C fi �OOaO W 0 Lu��uuv_,�Z 0a�.i SOS" =:j0 id Ba OZFx-O z co EO � zzo COD q¢ Z 0,y,, 9 vaN$E oto v� Spp ev`91i?�mmE� �'e�iow�� i._ �vi 3.$c4a9�ascrici o1�ilCili9Go-�C $m $n' E� - y $ o T L b BsdEo o �`c°c R] i7•A •v' �Ci Sow 8 a- g'� N}' o E E o .g o .s 5'u ads'v oqa� h ''y£ K c u cg 45 -S Ai 2Z 13 S o Q e-'o2coE woe a�ac•EvLec� �5 cvUi_E_xsa�rL'$3�9�E 3e � =�=� a ��aaa•'g'a E'Ocppt3��3-'8�mE_m c ac'-�, 1r1�d% , a,,if B, -S �•S o x�Qe cc��db`ro 3 aye v PL-EEo.E�u'c'G 11 1-1 E.P� S� c- •o-�.o'a, -11 1-1 E pg $ me asa83 8 �" 3 n`�`� 8t3r re asu� m �.� 0.4 a 22 E -3.E 7i o � _s`�� 3a�Qh �t^= � o�a'r� E2r� igg �'BgU 9sQ5Ali �'on yygctg& G'o�s'.9 1;� ° c .o Z, BY`og 2a$i3 5 �SNa_ 9gg p _� PJ] `d, 23 6'- dao (b V 4 � U~egno _. rs Z5 5a �} aha c3'i fn9�c93�'"'o ld--E!a owoY Env --Eo Z o•E'� 3mo )^ dt• as o-�z ?• �� ti�� '`� E � oL- ��•% 9 =E� L• ��$L`��a�an- P'��r''S ��„EE q.__ SS `3'J•c'�'• V �w W3- cOZ=.00.E3 ZC7-ado l4 oiL E-QOo�¢OP y£�F ebb t•.c LL i Pasadena Star-Ngws Filmmakers find Dream location Big League Dreams Sports Complex used for 'Benchwarmers' By Blanca E. Sanchez, Staff Writer Wednesday, June 22, 2005 - - Steven.Kay skipped his sixth -grade graduation ceremony Wednesday morning to play baseball'at Big. League Dr -earns. But this was fab ordinary garde. Steven, 12, of Chino Hills, was one of more; than 500 extras used for the filrn production of "Benchwarmers' at Big League Dreams this week. Fenway Field at Big League Dreams `was used for a scene over the past two weeks. During much of Wednesday morning, the production's last day at the sports park, the crew focused on a shot of the audience's reaction to a Little League game. Scheduled for an April release, "Benchwarmers' stars Rob Schneider, David Spade and Jon Heder. The three men who admit they weren't the best ball players when they were young challenge a group of Little League bullies to a game. Director Dennis Dugan, whose 14- year-old son, Kelly, plays on a traveling baseball team, said he had visited Big League Dreams and.felt it was the right location for the scene. Big -League Dreams, which opened.in November 2002, has six baseball fields designed as scaled-down versions of famous Major League baseball stadiums. "We needed a place that Was really nice and already had some structure up,' Dugan said. However, a few alterations were made to the field. For one, the production crew chopped off about 110 feet from the outfield. to fit Little League standards. "We built this to Little League dimension,' Dugan said. "We brought the whole outfield in.' The crew also added an ivy-covered brick wall,- inspired by Wrigley Field in Chicago, and a wall that resembled the Green Monster at Boston's Fenway Park. Other baseball scenes were shot at parks in Simi Valley, Culver City and West Los Angeles, among others. Some filming also took place at Prado Regional Park in south Chino, said Tammy Sandler, a publicist for the film. Filming is expected to be completed Saturday, Dugan said. Darrell Miller, general manager of Big League Dreams, said filming at the park highlights the city and brings in additional revenue. "This.puts the entire community on themap,' said Miller, who will play an umpire'in the film, "It's quite an economic impact for the entire area. We got the local hotels along with. food and restaurants.' Although Steven is an extra, he does get to play baseball in the movie as a member of Jerry's Lumber Team, he said. "I'm in game six, which is one of the championship games,' said Steven, who hits a home run in the movie. Vahn Bozoian, 1.1, of Chino Hills, is also on Jerry's Lumber Team. Both boys learned about the filming through Chino Hills Pony Baseball and the All-Star travel team. "I (signed up)' for the fun of it,' Vahn said."I might want to be a movie star.' Blanca Sanchez can be reached by e-mail at blanca.sanchez@dailybulletin.conz or by phone at (909) 483-4644. GALVESTON COUNTY IffiEDAILY lVLWS Bid League breams ®pens new doors By Brandon Williamq The Daily News Published December 29, 2005 From the moment it opened its doors, one had the sense ]Big League Dreams was a winner. True to its name, the 27,006 -square -foot facility in Teague City brought out the kid in everyone, from the youngsters who arrived Opening Day to gather a tip or two from former major league ballplayers, to the seasoned softballers who soaked in a bit of nostalgia each time they crossed home plate. With vintage replicas of Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium, Ebbets Field, Crosley Field and Sportsman's Park, players and fans got a chance to relive history, while making memories of their own. Each park was a perfect tribute to the legendary diamonds of yore, from Fenway's Green Monster to the petite distance of left field at Ebbets. Pig Teague Dreams also became the site for a beautiful union of past, present and future during the summer. An area known for its passionate support of youth softball gained a professional team when the Texas Thunder chose Dreams to play their home contests. Immediately, the decision proved beneficial. With a talented roster of players, including National Professional Fastpitch League all-star pitcher Christa Williams, the Thunder gathered a loyal following, and with good reason. In an era where professional athletes have been grilled for their disdain for fans, this team was an exception. Regardless to how long they played, the young ladies donning the Texas uniform were more than willing to snake their way down the line of eager autograph -seekers, many of which were young softball players whose eyes would brighten at the sight of one of theplayers taking time out to offer a word of encouragement. "It's an unbelievable feeling," said Teras first baseman Karrie Rider, who quickly became a fan favorite with her intense play on the field and warm personality off it. "Every day, there's always a fan that's saying great things about us or a kid that comes to us and says how we've been an inspiration to them." The Thunder did great things on the field as well, going 20-o at home in July. Each win delivered a level of energy not seen around the area during the summer. Where July once meant dissecting Texas Football from cover to cover, weekend nights at Fig League Dreams became the happening place. Another group that benefited from Pig League Dreams were extreme sports participants. Once the skate park opened in early summer, hundreds of kids found a safe and welcome environment to partake in their love of skateboarding. The parents of these young daredevils also felt a momentary sigh of relief (which usually left when someone broke a bone or twisted a knee), free to know their kids had a spot to try a 720 -degree spin, One of the more, star-studded events of the year also happened at Big League Dreams, when Houston Rocket all- star Tracy McGrady got a virtual "who's who" list of NBA stars past and present, along with several local hip -bop performers, to take part in a day -long softball tournament. Benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston and his own foundation, McGrady was able to get the likes of LeBron James, Clyde Drexler, Warren Moon and former American Basketball Association star George Tinsley out to the park, which was filled well beyond midnight. "Everything has gone great," said Big League Dreams general manager Ed Farmer of the tourney. His words sum up the year for his park Brandon C. Williams is the sports editor for The Daily News. Copyright © 2005 The Galveston County Daily News L A 7 It K 6 P RIPON W FSTON PANCH @ R& Rf C If C A d4 P MANTECA BULLETIN ww-�.ra wrrca.uauvr.cay rum *r, Ma_ � luta �� January 3, 2047 1+Unteca scores big v rM BLD Complex luring major retailers, hotels The pitch was to simply build a much-needed sports complex. But by the time the construction dust settles, Manteca will not only have scored a Rig league Dreams complex but also: o the 700,000 -square -foot Stadium Retail Center anchored by Kohl's Department Store, Circuit City, and Costco. o a 140,000 -square -foot Lowe's Home Improvement Center plus 28,000 square feet of additional retail space on the southeast corner ofAirport Way and Daniels Street. e two hotels, several restaurants and shops on an 18 -acre parcel on the northeast comer ofhNo Candini Drive and Daniels Street as part of the Right Field at Stadium Center project. a a park complete with reflecting pond and poles displaying flags of all branches of the military to honor veterans and those currently serving, Mayor Willie Weatherford notes that the decision to locate and build the BLD sports complex using $29 million in redevelopment agency money at what is now Milo Candini Drive and Daniels Street made the other developments possible. BLD representative Don Weber noted that nowhere does the organization manage and operate aMajor League Baseball replica complex that has such high freeway visibility and easy access or is adjacent to retail and eventually several hotels if not more. Both Kitchell's Retail Stadium Center as well as the Right Field at Stadium Center projects would have been difficult if not impossible to pursue if the BLD complex was not located where it was and developed with RDA money. A rundown of major West Manteca projects including Villa Ticino West and the Assieh Business Park that are in various stages of development in 2007 are as follows: Stadium Retail Center Kohl's Department Store — which opened in March of 2006 — will be joined before its first anniversary with a new Old Navy Store and Famous Footwear stone. Chili's is due to open this spring as is Circuit City. Other buildings are under construction that will house a wide variety of smaller retailers ranging from Subway Sandwiches to specialty clothing stores. Stadium Retail Center also has a storm retention basin along the Highway 120 Bypass that has a meandering sidewalk for public access to the edge of a fountain being installed Right Field at Stadium Center The City Council sitting as the Manteca RDA commission has entered into a deal with the Koehler Organization to buy and develop an 18 -acre parcel owned by the RDA on the northeast corner of Milo Candini Drive and Daniels Street. The developers are currently working to build a 93 room Residence Inn and a 91 -mom Courtyard by Marriott_ Both hotel chains like the fact it is within walking distance of the BLD sports complex that is expected to have between 45 and 50 weekend tournaments drawing players and their families from throughout the West. The project is designed so additional restaurants and shops will line the edge of the development along Daniels Stmt. 4 Lowe's Home Improvement Lowe's has submitted plans to build a Manteca home improvement center. Kitchell Development is working with the national retailing firm to build a Manteca store along, with 40,000 square feet of additional retail space on the southeast corner of Airport Way and Daniels Street. Big League Dreams The Manteca Big League breams complex will have its remaining three fields as well as the sports complex designed for indoor soccer and other events open by mid -spring. There has also been a tournament virtually every weekend so far at the BLD complex. General Manager Fd Farmer expects the Manteca facility could easily end up with 50 tournaments — almost twice the conservative estimate of 28 when the financial projections were created for the Manteca complex. East Union High softball has arranged to play all of.their home games at the BLD complex as well as their tournament which in the past has been played in Tracy due to a lack of fields in Manteca_ Assieh Business Park Developers have started building a business park on Louise Avenue at the site of the former World War II magnesium plant adjacent to the Manteca Unified School District office complex. Villa Ticino West Apartments and a major shopping center are part of the Villa Ticino West development that could start preliminary site work by the end of 2007. The 145.5 -acme project on the southwest corner of Louise Avenue and Airport Way will include 760 single family homes ranging in size from 1,486 to 3,166 square feet with three to seven bedrooms. The approved project has sewer allocations and includes an 18.85 -acre shopping center at tho intersection The shopping center will be bordered on the west by a site set aside for Manteca's fourth fire station as well as 12.4 acres for multif=4 housing. Home > - - Politics FONT SIZE [ + ] [ - ] [ DEFAULT ] PRINT E-MAIL STORY NEWSLETTER SIGN UP COMMENT Big League Dreams helps keep Manteca in the game Sports complex generates $460K annually for general fund tm The money that out-of-town players and supporters during weekend tournaments at Big League Dreams spent is helping Manteca weather the current economic crisis. By Dennis Wyatt Managing Editor '+rilucabulletln.com 209-249-3532 Nt}S11 1.3I, 1fN09 I :5') -i r Big League Dreams could end up saving as many as five parks maintenance gobs. The Magor League themed city -owned sports complex that is leased to BLD has always been touted as a way for Manteca to avoid $17 million in operational and maintenance costs over a 35 -year period. Now it has the potential of saving existing parks maintenance jobs so the city can keep park service levels fairly intact while dealing with a projected $11.3 million deficit in the fiscal year starting July 1. It is now bringing in $460,000 annually in lease and concession payments thanks to the runaway success of the complex that is booking at least one tournament every weekend of the year including holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. That $460,000 is not going to debt repayment as the city was able to use redevelopment agency funds to build the complex. Instead, it flows into the general fund where the council has designated it to be used to build future facilities at Woodward Park and possibly elsewhere. However, in the city's current financial situation Mayor Willie Weatherford believes there would be support to shift the money to keep park maintenance up elsewhere. It is something the council can legally do and it would still be keeping in line with a promise the council made at the time the BLD contract was issued to make sure the revenue benefitted other municipal parks. The BLD deal - plus a number of other redevelopment agency investments - has become a godsend as Manteca battles to weather the economic storm created by the collapse of housing prices from foreclosures triggered by liar loans. Those other investments - Spreckels Park, Stadium Retail Center and even Kelley Brothers in downtown - have generated sales tax and jobs Manteca would not either have secured or put them in place years ahead of what the private sector would have done without help. Target, for example, had told city officials Manteca didn't meet their criteria for a store for at least three to five years based on population and demographics. The RDA helped offset over $200,000 for infrastructure - sewer and water primarily - to lure Target to Manteca early. The sales tax generated that went directly to Manteca's general fund allowed the city to recoup the investment in about two years. "They (the investments) were done to generate economic growth," Weatherford noted. Still, the mayor isn't disappointed that they have become a de facto lifesaver effectively easing everything from property and sales tax hits to helping make sure the Manteca employment situation isn't worse. Sales tax also has benefited from economic deals the RDA has made plus a sales tax split plan with retail giants such as Costco and indirectly with Bass Pro Shops through the developers of The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley, Poag & McEwen. Manteca gave up between 40 and 45 percent of its share of the sales tax from the two projects - the lifestyle center for 30 years and Costco for 10 years - to secure the retailers. Sales tax in the first five months of this year has come in at $5.2 million, down from $5.6 million for the same period in 2008. If Costco and Bass Pro Shops were taken out of the mix, the sales tax figures would have taken another $200,000 to $400,000 hit. The two mega -retailers, in essence, have helped ease the pain of a severe drop off in vehicle sales that has hit sales tax up and down the state hard. Bass Pro, like BLD, essentially is capturing out—of-town dollars to help pay for Manteca municipal services. Costco, for the most part, stopped retail dollars from consumers in Manteca from being spent at Costco's stores in Modesto, Tracy and Stockton. There are also out-of-town dollars spent at Costco as well. Weatherford noted BLD also brings in motel tax plus spending at restaurants and local stores that would not have happened without it in place. Had BLD been built as a conventional sports complex such as the one in Tracy, Manteca would have been saddled with $15 million in debt payment plus interest, maintenance and operational costs as well and not have the indoor soccer arena. Manteca BLD set to smash records with 400K guests By Dennis Wyatt Managing Editor dwyaU -�;; ,nt c �!3�ilfetin.com 209-249-3532 17, 2009 2: 1 f 3,37i. Big League Dreams Manteca is the undisputed champ for paid attendance among the nine replica Major League Baseball sports complexes managed by the Southern California -based firm. Attendance at the complex on Milo Candini Drive owned by the City of Manteca is on target to top 400,000 people this year. The Fourth of July celebration - which had 4,000 paying customers that helped defray the city's costs of fireworks and another 3,000 who were under 13 and got in free - helped set a companywide record for one -day food and beverage sales. Manteca also has the highest revenue increases within the BLD company. BLD is also posting the highest revenue increases companywide for BLD despite 2008 being a better that anticipated year locally that saw double digit growth in both revenue and attendance. That ultimately translates into good news for the City of Manteca. Revenue was up 22.1 percent in April, May and June compared to the first three months of the year. The BLD complex is the First recreational improvement that is paying back the park fee account. Elected leaders wanted it that way so ultimately the BLD complex would zero out on its use of park fees for construction to allow the money paid back to go for other recreational projects. Statistics show that from 2008 to 2009 Manteca BLD experienced: •a 20 percent increase in season four teams from 260 to 335. •a jump of 38 youth indoor soccer teams. •sold -out weekends every week of the year in both 2008 and 2009 with 75 percent of all weekend players being youth. Manteca BLD conducted its first world series - it was for girls fast pitch - the week of July 27 through Aug. 2. It featured 24 teams but plans to grow in 2010. Other new events for 2009 included: •adding six more team for Sunday night play to take the number to 66 teams without reducing the size of tournaments. •started a Friday twilight league with all games played at 5 p.m. •started a kickball league on Thursday nights. *launched a Manteca -based boys baseball league on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. -conducted the First San Joaquin County law enforcement tournament. Upcoming events in 2010 include the Electrical Workers Union annual tournament and dinner with 16 teams and 300 guests for dinner. They have already completely booked two Manteca hotels. Host Hotels and Advertisers Attachment D Partial List of Advertising or Other Commercial Affiliation Agreements with Big League Dreams: Methodist Hospital Black Oak Casino The Stockton Record East Valley Tribune Gilbert Hospital Redding Bank of Commerce Manteca Doctor's Hospital Norm Reeves Honda Amergy Bank 180 Energy Drink Ayers Hotel Group Best Western Heritage Inn Budweiser California Prime Line Cimarron Golf Resort Citrus Motors Coca-Cola Comfort Inn of Palm Springs Discount Tire Fairplay Scoreboards Heritage Palms Golf Club Howard Johnson's Resort KB Entertainment KCAL Radio KCKC Spanish Radio KCXX Radio KPSI Radio Laser Vision Louisville Slugger Musco Lighting Outback Steakhouse PAX -TV Pepsi-Cola Pomona First Federal Bank Big Bear Mountain Water Rancho Bank Southwest Airlines Riverside Medical Center Rodewa Inn Romero Buick/Hyundai Spa Hotel and Casino Spotlight 29 Casino State Farm Insurance Super Cuts The Los Angeles Times The Press Enterprise Tuff Shed U.S. Printing United States Army Vacation Inn of Palm Desert Century 21 Partial List of Corporate or Group Events AD Club Anheuser-Busch BF Goodrich Budweiser Buena Vista Home Entertainment The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -da Saints (Mormon) Easton Sports GC Plastics G mnasti ue Hatt Grand Champions Juru a alley High School Kaiser Permanente Manpower Marriott Desert Springs Monier Lifetile Mutual of Omaha Nike Ontario Christian Church Ontario International Airport Outback Steakhouse Promowerks Rosenbluth International Sony Staples TGI Friday's Toyota United Parcel Service Van Daele Development Vons Stores Waste Management Westin Mission Hills Resort Sigma Chi Fraternity Lennar Family Home Builders Enterprise Rent -a -Car Ral hs Grocery Markets Kings Seafood Partial List of Current Partner/Host Hotels Ayres Hotel Group Doral Desert Princess Resort Hyatt Place Ramada Best Western Hampton Inn & Suites La Quinta Shilo Inn Comfort Inn Hilton Pacific Place Spring Hill Suites Comfort Suites Hilton Garden Inn Quality Inn & Suites Staybridge Suites Country Inn & Suites Holiday Inn Express Radisson Texan R.V. Ranch Features of Big League Dreams Sports Barks Attachment E Fieldhouse, Gilbert, AZ Interior of Fieldhouse i Tj hil h Iffli 'All �• Main Entrance, Gilbert, AZ New York's Polo Grounds Stadium Design Main Entrance, Mansfield, TX "Tot Lot" for the youngsters Chicago's Wrigley Field Stadium Design Cincinnati's Crosley Field Stadium Design Brooklyn's Ebbets Field Stadium Design U 0, Stadium Style Seating r Stadium Club Restaurant Batting Cages for All Ages 14 IW The Indoor Soccer Pavilion also serves as a Special Event Facility 4 Big League Dreams, Gilbert, AZ "MV TT * r 41 Big League Dreams, Mansfield, TX � � 5 FA Economic Impact Articles Attachment F • Houston Business Journal, "League City Baseball Park Underestimated Economic Impact, Officials Say", June 17, 2005 • The Herald -Zeitung, "Complexes Can Lead to Economic Success", June 22, 2005 • Redding Record Searchlight, "BLD Surpasses Expectations", July 31, 2005 • InsideBayArea.com, "Manteca Sports Park Exceeding Projections, 2006 • The Manteca Bulletin, "Manteca Scores Big with BLD", January 3, 2007 • GuidryNews.com, "Big League Dreams Exceeds Projected Economic Impact for 2006 September 17, 2007 • The Manteca Bulletin, "Big League Dreams Helps Keep Manteca in the Game", May 31, 2009 • The Manteca Bulletin, "Manteca BLD Set to Smash Records with 400K Guests, September 17, 2009 • City of Perris Newsletter, "New Wyndham Hotel Comes to Perris, November 11, 2010 The Arizona Republic, "Gilbert Building Tourism Base with Hotels, Sports Complex August 21, 2010 " A JOURNAL t J S"I 'N" "I "j, 'S", -, LATEST NEWS June 17, 2005 League City baseball park underestimated economic impact officials say Jen.n{t CoIIe Houston Business Journal Officials with lig League Dreanv, baseball park in League City say the high number of tournaments booked at the new sports park will have an estimated $27 million economic impact on the small community east of Houston. "We were very conservative in estimating the impact on our local economy," says Doug Frazior, economic development coordinator for the League City. "Our estimates included only the large market tournaments and events requiring overnight stay from visitors." According to the park's general manager, Ed Farmer, tournaments are scheduled every weekend for the rest of the year. The number of tournaments at Big League Dreams is expected to grow over the next five years, increasing the annual economic impact to more than $40 million. The model .used by League City economic developers to project the impact includes expenditures by additional visitors to the area, additional taxes generated and the local payroll created by the sports park. The newly opened multi -sport recreational complex features scaled-down replicas of six famous major league ball parks, two sports -themed restaurants and an indoor soccer arena. The facility hosts softball, baseball and indoor soccer league play and tournaments, as well as corporate outings. 0 2005 Arnerican City Business Journals Inc. ,, G Serving New Braunfels and Cornal County since 1852 Complexes can lead to economic, success By Leigh Jones The Herald -Zeitung Published June 22, 2005 1.,ea RLu D-_ - League City recently completed construction on its sports complex facility — Big League Dreams. The park opened May 14, and already is booked for the rest of the year, ale it will occasionally frost everts for local youth teams, the city invested in the park to bring in outside money. "We opted for a sports park as an economic development project," said Doug 1Frazior, League City Econorrnic Development Corporation director, "It is designed to be a destination venue." Before committing the city to a bond for the "mini" ini" xmajor league ballpark, EDC staff analyzed the economic impact from overnight tournaments. Projections indicate the city will experience a $27 million economic impact at the end of the first year and $40 million by the fifth. year, In addition to generating 55 fulltirne jobs and an increase in sales tax receipts, lFrazior expects the park to bring ancillary benefits to the city, "A new Motel has gone in near by and we have several restaurants ingi ir°ing about property near the park,99 he said. g"4.ii.Ok•: __ __— . ..---- _ __ --_ __.,__.. _ .._::-Xw-?-Tg14 #i9RM e:F�LSGf m.1'dtllf�idMlW1#i mwgp�}q�X7-rz F ial Mai BLD Surpasses Expectations Sports Park draws crowds, teats, tournaments and praise By Aaron Wiffiams, Record Seayekfight dilly 31, 2005 It's a hat, Big League Dreams, the east Redding spouts complex, celebrates its one-year anniversary today, and by most accounts has revitalized softball in the north state. "For 15 years, there was this core group clamoring for a sports complex," said handy Bachman, Redding's deputy city manager. "They knew at would be popular, but what we've found is a whole separate group who've said, Wow.' "It's brought people back to the game that maybe hadn't played in 10 years." But don't take Bachmana's word for it. As in baseball and softball, numbers often tell the story. Not a dream Gross revenues of $1.411 ffiiillion during the inaugural year have soared past even In each quarter Big moderate projections. Each quarter revenue has climbed. Big League Dreams League Dreams has seen turnstiles clicked 1759000 times from July 31, 2004, to Janne 1. The park may its gross revenue very well max out its 30Q team capacity within the upcoming year. increase. "This has surpassed ,,Mythi,ag we could have hoped for," said Gene Lanthorn., ° Total gross revenue: BLD general manager. $1.48 million. Conservative revenue The park has proved so popular that all Ave fields including its signature estimate: $1,04 million replicas of Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park — are used for four a Moderate revenue games nightly. estimate: $1.26 million a First quarter (July - Weekend tournaments have added to the park's bottom line — and reputation. Sept.), $297,151 Second quarter (Oct. - So impressed were several community college softball coaches they decided to Dec.): $315,000 m Third quarter (Jan. - move the state softball championship to the Redding park. March). quarter $347,(J 20 Kent Dagg, head of the Shasta. Builders' Exchange, was part of the core groi+p 0 Fourth quarter (April - pushing to build the softball complex. He said the group knew in order for the June): $517,503 project to be successful, it had to be privately rare, change admission and sell beer. "We knew Hit was done right, it could be an economic driver," Dagg said. Bachman said one look at the oust -of -state Ucease plates during a weekend tournament shows hove BLD Is boosting Redding's economy. "Those people are staying in our hotels, eating at our restaurants," Lanthorn said, There were many questions and concerns leading up to Iast year's BLD opening. most focused on the city's p€ttting up capital to build the $16.7 anillaon park, and them leasing It for 10 years to a for-profit company to ram. Some people were apprehensive about the $2 entry fee and alcohol being seared in the park's Stadium Club. Old Oregon Trail neighbors feared noise, glare from the park's lights and potential traffic accidents on the narrow road. "I've not heard one complaint," Bachman said, The depu8,y cUy mawger said he belWa the success of BLD is due its peed to the pubiacptivate parlhershgp. "It's a great model," Bachman said of the Southern Caitf'ornia-base_ d Big League Dreams, which operates lave facilities. He said by having BLD operate and maintain the park, the city was able to build a bigger facility, pouring in extra money it would have had to spend on upkeep. In learn budget years, a. dity=malntained facility mig& feel the pinch in deference to public safety, Bachman said. Redding will begin seeing a retusna on its investment in the fourth year or when the park's gross annual revenue hits $3.25 million. The city is due to receive 6 percent of the park's gross revenues beginning then. "The city wend the extra anile," Lanthorn said. "It's now up to nus to manage this properly." As to the other concerns, Lanthorn and Jeff Smith, the park's sports director, said there have been isolated problems, mostly stemming from on -field behavior. There have been some Suspensions; some players have been asked not to return. But those incidents have been rare, they insist. "We have worked hard to monitor and maintain that family environment," Lanthorn said. 'That family environment, along with a friendly greeting, a clean park and good of fashioned softball or a nice game of roller hockey is what keeps people coming back, Lanthorn and Snaith maintain. "With that two dollars you are buying a nice clean parr and as a parent, some Murity," Smith said of the enclosed facility that monitors the gates. The park, whiten is capable of fielding 280 to 300 to ms each season, should reach that threshold in the upcoming year. In the last five months of 2004, BLD fielded 31 tournament teams. In the fmt half of 2005, 214 teams have walked through the turnstiles for weekend tournaments. In the same tune period, there were Sl weeknight league teams in 2004 and 124 teams through July 2005. "I'd love to see the day when there is a waiftg U9411 Lanthorn said. It's a feeling Smith echoes. "Ultimately, ltimately, we are a business and we want maxum capacity," he said. But it's not the gate that keeps iMD in business. Smith and Bachman agree it's the Stadaaam Club that. makes DLD able to do what it does. Dig League Dreams, which employs 64 workers, including 20 fail - time employees, brought in $M8 xeaailioin in gross revenues, which exceeded even the moderate projections set forth by the city by more than $200,000. The conservative estimate -- $1.02 million --)vas bested by $434,376 and each quarter the park's gross revenue has risen. While there are no plans for expansion, there is a sixth field that could be developed inside the park. The city, which is out to bid on a soccer complex south of the park, has purchased land north of Viking Way that mould one day be ureal to augment the park, or at least help curb the occasional dearth of parking. Sports Editor Apov Wipmesconber��:ze�at2�5FQ&�} �R _Iilli�%:rli :__iti14IIIf.=:_(/ I. Copynght2009,Reoing.All Righ¢sRes&TmL 51G LEAG13E VROFM Manteca sports pari, exceeding projections By Paul 0uWr1na"r STAFF WRITER MANTECA—The hits just keep on coming forthel,city`s newest sports park and regional aiiraction. Revenue figures forthe first six months of operation at Big League breams exceeded 0glnal projections by 25 percent, Manteca Paries DirectotSteve Hoax said. As a result, rent payments from tha company to the city could kick in this year — three years ahead of schedule. Manteca's Big League Dreams is a joint publlc-prtvate partnership, to which Manteca is reimbursed annually during the life of the 35tyear lease by Sig League Dreams through tax advantages and a portion of gross revenues. In the Feb, 3, 2003, contract, it was agreed that Big League ®reams would not have to pay rent forthe VW threw years, However, the contract has a caveat that If the overall gross revenue exceeds $1.5 million during one of the first three, years, percentage rents go into effect. Manteca would receive 16 percent of the retail gross revenue up to $1.4 n0l(lon and 20 percent past that, the agreement says, Even without revenue from Indoor soccer fields on site and with only fire of the six ballparks opera forthe fi,i three months, the park brought Irl $731,777 worth of gross revenue during the first six months. rgrosaxavenRe Includes restaurant and concesslon sales, merchandise, arcades and vanding, league and tournament fees, gate admissions and advertising. 'hough ft would difficult to anticipate the balance of the year, it can be assured the third and fourth quarter would generate no less than the second quarter, HQux said. Using this assumptioli it can he anticipated that year end revenue will exceed $1,600,000. Therefore, the early rent provision of the lease could be triggered on Dec. 31, 2007, Houx said in an a=mall. `the city had projected that first year revenue at $1,316,360, Since the Manteca complex opened Its gates In October, a record number of players and fens have flooded the turnstiles. From a league standpoint, 226 slow -pitch softball teams have taken to the replica f Teams from all over Northern Oalffomia — including Sacramento, the Bay Area and even Las Vegas ® have frequented the park during weekends for tournaments, making the park a regional draw, Farmer said. Many players have different reasons for enjoying the park: the well-maintalned fields, the allure of nuances like Fenway Parks Green Monster, or $3.50 for a pint of domestic beer at the snack bar. Others tell management they enjoy not- having tO find a different site to host a team function. It's more of an atmosphere where you can bring the family and don't have to worry about kids wandering off, where you hang out after the game instead of taking the team to get pizza, Farmer said. The park ended, up costing Manteca $31.1 million, including miscellaneous costs for security measures and other modifications. Most of the money for Big League Dreams came from Redevelopment Agency funds, aimed at stimulating economlc development and preventing blight. The returns come back to the community.directly through the project itself and Indirectly through tax increment, Houx said. City leaders are hopeful that the continued build out of the Stadium Center shopping plaza near by and plans for several large-scale hotels will generate Increased sales tax and Transient Occupancy Tac — both as a ripple effect of Big League Dreams, S3 .9 N u E C A a A 3 )) R 0 G IR $ P 0 N gb R 5 7 0 W A A H C 0® G R r- N C N C A M P MANTEcA B,ui-,LF.-q1.,I.'IN I'V91.10P 'Kul GINFE �;O]Rffou P&aftca asmrrtas bIg wM BILL Complex luring major retailers, hotels The pitch Nm to simply build a much-needed sports complex. But by the time the construction dust settles, Manteca will not only have scored a Big Lague Breams complex but also: e the 700,000 -square -foot Stadium Retail Guar anchored by Kohl's Department Store, Circuit City, and Costco. o a 140,000-syuas-e-foot Lowe's Home Tmprovemettt Cater plus 28,O00 sqam fe- of ad+tzonal retail spate on the southeast corner of`Aigv t Way and Daniels Street. o two hotels, several restaurants and shops on an 18 -am pmel on the northeast comm, of Milo Candinl Drive and Daniels Street as part of the Right Field at Stadium Center project. o a pmk complete with reflecting pomd and.poles diseaying flags of all branches of the milita y to honor aetersus end those currently serving. Mayor Wilke Weathe ford motes the the 6wision to locate and build tha BLD sports complex wizg $29 milion in redevelopment agency money at )fiat is now Milo Candini ]drive and ]Daniels SUed made the other developments possible, BLD representative Don Weber noted that nowhere does the organization manage and operate a Major Leagas Basebal3 replica complex that has slwh high frcesvay visibility and easy access or is adjamt to wil and eventr-taily several hotels ifnot more. Both Kikhell's ldeW Stadium Carter as well as the Right Field at StadiLwn Cex+ter projects 'woad have besw di I31t if not impossible to pursue if the BLIP complex was not located where it was and developed with RDA money. A rus)down of major West Manteca projects keluding `ilia Ticino West and the Ass''A Pusiposs Fa c Haat are in various stages of development in 2007 are as follows, Stadium Read Cv Kohl's Departmcmt Store — which opened in March of 2006 — will be joined before its first am-dversmy with a new Cold Navy Stote and Farams Footwear stm. Chili's is due to open titi s spring as is Circuit City. Other buildings are under constl u o, that will house a wide variety of smaller retailers rogWg ftom Sa$way Sandwiches to specialty clothing stores. Stadiwn Retail Center also has a storm retention basin along the Highway 120 Bypass that has a me nde wg sidewalk fes public z to the edge of a fare berg jnstdO& Right Field at Stadium Center The City Council sitting as the Manteca RDA commission has entaed into a deal with the Koehler Organization to buy and develop an 18 --acre parcel owned by the RISA on tt northeast corner of Milo Candiui Brine and Daniels Sit The developers are cuant3y working to build a 93 room Residenre dnu and a 91 -soba Couuiyard by loft BA hotel chains life the fact it is within walking dish of the BLD sports complex that is expected to have between 45 and 50 fiend tournaments drawing playeas and their families from throughout the West Tl�z pzaject is designed so aMtiosaal its end shops -rill live the edge of the developmed along Daniels Street. Lowe's Home Improvement Lowe's has submiftd plans to build a Manteca home improvement cen%ar. Kitchell Development is working with the national fling fma to build a Manteca store along with 40,000 square feet of additional rail space an the sowheast cosiuer of Airpo.t Way and DWels Street. Big League Dreams The Manteca Dig League Dreams complex vvill have its remaining ing duw fields as well as the sports complex designed for indoor soccer and other events open by mid -spring.. T ere has also been a touananaeut virtually every veaeken_d so far at the DID complex. Gc el MawgerEd Farmer expects the Manteca facility could easily end up with 50 toamaments -- almost tvAce the conservative estimate of 28 when the fibancial projections wee axee ed for the Nfarrt= complex. East Union High softball has arranged to play all of,their Lorne games at the BLD complex as well as their toum ament which in the past has been played la Tracy due to a lack of ffplds in latah Assieh Business Parte Davelopes s have eia(W buil&g a businm peak on Louisa Avenue as the site of the formes World Wes II mWesium plant adjacent to the Manteca Unified School District office complex. Villa Ticino West A amnts and a msjor shopping center are part of the Villa Ticino West development that could start preli miaary site woTk by the eatd of 2407. The 145.5 -am project on the southwest come -i of Louise Avenue and Airport Way will incYuds 760 single family hmias mmging in size from 1,486 to 3,166 square fed with the to seven beroow. The approved projecthas seer allocations and includes an 18.85 -acre shopiphM center at the intersection The shopping c4a atea will be bordered on the Qwest by e site set &sick for Mautem's fourth &e smog as well as 12.4 acres for multifamily housing. Front Page GuidryNews.com I4 p[h. 9 About GNS The Online News Station /�r I{ F1:1 In 151711 Forum # 1 Tournament Baseball Weather Bay Area Houston Complex Come Be Part of The Obituaries Legend! Big League Dreams Sports Park wrav Mme Yan�gerrrspe Education Communities News Release Monday, Seplember 17, 1007 Features Big League Dreams Exceeds Projected Economic Impact for 2006 Links - ll} The economic impact of League City's Big League Dreams Sports Park exceeded original 2006 projections by almost 30 percent. The sports park's economic Impact to the community was UF n4� measured by the League Oty Economic Development Department. 4 =1.1 According to General Manager Scott Sheldon, the park hosted 51 baseball and softball tournaments played by 1,987 teams. Of those teams, 30 percent came from outside a 50 mile radius of the Search area. Total paying attendance for 2006 was 251,891 visitors. Corporate and group events held at Big League Dreams brought an additional 610 people to League City. raassltp>lE2Pfilut.- Prior to the facillty's construction, the Economic Development Department projected the overall Waterwo-;Year- economic impact would be just over $32 million for 2006. Actual 2006 figures used to caiculate the Round Swim School Impact brought the total to almost $41.5 million. Indoor Swimming Pools in Irvine Factors in the economic impact measurement included the amount of hotel business generated by out-of-town tournament players and spectators, goods and services purchased and the number of Aft erC,00sle times that visitor dollars were exchanged within the community. Guidry News Service is based in Mldtown Houston at 4001 Fannin Street, Suite 4432, Houston, Texas 77004-4077 with offices in Downtown Beaumont and Downtown Galveston. (409) 763 NEWS(6397) (C) 1996, Guidry Ne+vs Service. Duplication of any part of this website In any manner is prohibited. Ruquef3t a free Ircal --W)kicrip#ion to Guff Coast E,1112ws: Ulick Here http://www.gtiidiynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000004464 11/12/2009 Home > Nevvs > Politics > Article FONT SIZE [ + ] [ - ] [ DEFAULT ] iPRINT !E-MAILSTORY NEWSLETTER SIGN UP 'COMMENT Big League Dreams helps keep Manteca in the game Sports complex generates $460K annually for general ELlnd j The money that out-of-town players and supporters during weekend tournaments at Big League Dreams spent is helping Manteca weather the current economic crisis. By Dennis Wyatt Managing Editor d vayatl.(a)nion teczibi i I letin, c.om 209-249-3532 POSTED Hav 31, 2009 1:59 a.m. Big League Dreams could end up saving as many as five parks maintenance jobs. The Major League themed city -owned sports complex that is leased to BLD has always been touted as a way for Manteca to avoid $17 million in operational and maintenance costs over a 35 -year period. Now it has the potential of saving existing parks maintenance jobs so the city can keep park service levels fairly intact while dealing with a projected $11.3 million deficit in the fiscal year starting July 1. It is now bringing in $460,000 annually in lease and concession payments thanks to the runaway success of the complex that is booking at least one tournament every weekend of the year including holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. That $460,000 is not going to debt repayment as the city was able to use redevelopment agency funds to build the complex. Instead, it flows into the general fund where the council has designated it to be used to build future facilities at Woodward Park and possibly elsewhere. However, in the city's current financial situation Mayor Willie Weatherford believes there would be support to shift the money to keep park maintenance up elsewhere. It is something the council can legally do and it would still be keeping in line with a promise the council made at the time the BLD contract was issued to make sure the revenue benefitted other municipal parks. The BLD deal - plus a number of other redevelopment agency investments - has become a godsend as Manteca battles to weather the economic storm created by the collapse of housing prices from foreclosures triggered by liar loans. Those other investments - Spreckels Park, Stadium Retail Center and even Kelley Brothers in downtown - have generated sales tax and jobs Manteca would not either have secured or put them in place years ahead of what the private sector would have done without help. Target, for example, had told city officials Manteca didn't meet their criteria for a store for at least three to five years based on population and demographics. The RDA helped offset over $200,000 for infrastructure - sewer and water primarily - to lure Target to Manteca early. The sales tax generated that went directly to Manteca's general fund allowed the city to recoup the investment in about two years. "They (the investments) were done to generate economic growth," Weatherford noted. Still, the mayor isn't disappointed that they have become a de facto lifesaver effectively easing everything from property and sales tax hits to helping make sure the Manteca employment situation isn't worse. Sales tax also has benefited from economic deals the RDA has made plus a sales tax split plan with retail giants such as Costco and indirectly with Bass Pro Shops through the developers of The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley, Poag & McEwen. Manteca gave up between 40 and 45 percent of its share of the sales tax from the two projects - the lifestyle center for 30 years and Costco for 10 years -- to secure the retailers. Sales tax in the first five months of this year has come in at $5.2 million, down from $5.6 million for the same period in 2008. If Costco and Bass Pro Shops were taken out of the mix, the sales tax figures would have taken another $200,000 to $400,000 hit. The two mega -retailers, in essence, have helped ease the pain of a severe drop off in vehicle sales that has hit sales tax up and down the state hard. Bass Pro, like BLD, essentially is capturing out-of-town dollars to help pay for Manteca municipal services. Costco, for the most part, stopped retail dollars from consumers in Manteca from being spent at Costco's stores in Modesto, Tracy and Stockton. There are also out-of-town dollars spent at Costco as well. Weatherford noted BLD also brings in motel tax plus spending at restaurants and local stores that would not have happened without it in place. Had BLD been built as a conventional sports complex such as the one in Tracy, Manteca would have been saddled with $15 million In debt payment plus interest, maintenance and operational costs as well and not have the indoor soccer arena. Manteca BLD set to smash records with 400K guests By Dennis Wyatt Managing Editor dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com 209-249-3532 POSTED Sept. 17, 2009 2:17 a.m. Big League Dreams Manteca is the undisputed champ for paid attendance among the nine replica Major League Baseball sports complexes managed by the Southern California-based firm. Attendance at the complex on Milo Candini Drive owned by the City of Manteca is on target to top 400,000 people this year. The Fourth of July celebration - which had 4,000 paying customers that helped defray the city's costs of fireworks and another 3,000 who were under 13 and got in free - helped set a companywide record for one -day food and beverage sales. Manteca also has the highest revenue increases within the BLD company. BLD is also posting the highest revenue increases companywide for BLD despite 2008 being a better that anticipated year locally that saw double digit growth in both revenue and attendance. That ultimately translates into good news for the City of Manteca. Revenue was up 22.1 percent In April, May and June compared to the first three months of the year. The BLD complex is the first recreational improvement that Is paying back the park fee account. Elected leaders wanted it that way so ultimately the BLD complex would zero out on its use of park fees for construction to allow the money paid back to go for other recreational projects. Statistics show that from 2008 to 2009 Manteca BLD experienced: •a 20 percent increase in season four teams from 260 to 335. •a jump of 38 youth indoor soccer teams. *sold -out weekends every week of the year in both 2008 and 2009 with 75 percent of all weekend players being youth. Manteca BLD conducted its first world series - it was for girls fast pitch - the week of July 27 through Aug. 2. It featured 24 teams but plans to grow in 2010. Other new events for 2009 included: •adding six more team for Sunday night play to take the number to 66 teams without reducing the size of tournaments. *started a Friday twilight league with all games played at 5 p.m. •started a kickball league on Thursday nights. *launched a Manteca -based boys baseball league on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. *conducted the first San Joaquin County law enforcement tournament. Upcoming events in 2010 Include the Electrical Workers Union annual tournament and dinner with 16 teams and 300 guests for dinner. They have already completely booked two Manteca hotels. New Wyndam Hotel Comes to Perris - Perris Blog • F[Ome • Welconic • From the Editor • Submit [dews & Events • Coatact New Wyndam Hotel Comes to Perris By.1,!%:j:+ • Thursday, November 11, 2010' Ns CoiiimL!:1ts City of Perris 11/17/10 10:20 AM Construction is expected to begin early next year on a three-story, 100 -room hotel on the City's south side that will provide accommodations for players and families taking part in baseball tournaments at the adjacent Big League Dreams sports complex. The hotel, on Trumble Road just south of the Big League Dreams sports complex, includes a gym, whirlpool, swimming pool, conference room and meeting rooms. To help jump-start the project, the City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a three-year, $500,000 Redevelopment Agency loan for development and operation of the hotel. That money, which is restricted to redevelopment use, will be well spent, officials said. In its first three years, the hotel is expected to contribute $1.35 million in fees, hotel occupancy tax and property taxes to Perris municipal coffers, said Michael McDermott, the City's Redevelopment and Economic Development Manager. After that, the City can expect to receive another $255,000 annually in hotel occupancy revenues. The hotel is expected to provide 35 full-time and part-time jobs, McDermott said. Construction should begin in April and the project is expected to be completed by November 2011, just after the expected finish of the $24 -million Big League Dreams complex. Topics: Perris Ecogoi> l'(151 Leave a comment :S i Lni i i) to comment. ufjewplu�rlie fit rate remakis high I Hors> - l %' ; . I. : I I , Search Search co ittp://perrisblog.com/2010/11/new-wyndam-hotel-comes-to-perris.litrnl Page 1 of 4 Gilbert building tourism base with hotels, sports complex by Parker Leavitt - Aug. 21, 2010 07:36 AM The Arizona Republic Although Gilbert may never rival Adzona's most popular destinations A, such as Scottsdale or Sedona, the town has sprouted a tourism industry. Despite a weak economy, the past two years have brought four new hotels, a large sports complex and the community's first convention center. Gilbert Chamber of CommerceA President Kathy Tilque says her organization is attempting to build on that momentum with a multipronged approach to another potential economic driver for the town. "In the past, we've had very little to attract anybody," Tilque said. "All we really had to talk about was the museum and the Riparian Preserve. And while you're here, come see downtown." Until 2008, Gilbert had one hotel, with 239 rooms. Now, five hotels have nearly 600 rooms, Tilque said. Among Gilbert's biggest drivers of tourism is Big League Dreams, a baseball, softball and indoor -soccer complex near Elliot and Power roads. The complex has given the town a presence on the national amateur sports scene. It hosts dozens of tournaments every year and is growing in popularity, General Manager Doug Loucks said. Big League Dreams drew about 278,000 paid admissions in 2008 and more than 300,000 in 2009. The park is on pace to top 300,000 this year, Loucks said. Athletes and their families travel from around the country to participate in tournaments, especially during the cooler winter and spring, Loucks said. Big League Dreams has drawn tourists from as far east as Ohio and from cold - weather states like Alaska and Washington. Tournaments bring in-state athletes from Prescott Valley, Flagstaff and Tucson, he said. Many of them stay at Gilbert hotels and eat at restaurants in town, a welcome boost to sales -tax coffers. And although Gilbert does not have a stadium to support spring -training baseball, Mayor John Lewis and the Gilbert Small Business Alliance have found a way to capitalize on the Cactus League. Big League Dreams was the site of a spring -training opening celebration on March 20. Baseball fans were treated to a hot-dog taste test, the Milwaukee Brewers' sausage race and a raffle for bobbleheads and autographed baseballs and photos. The alliance is planning to do it again next year. With Gilbert attracting more visitors than ever, the chamber is taking steps to expand the town's young tourism industry. The chamber is working with the Town Council to include tourism in its planning and recently gave a presentation on how tourism is developing its Gilbert. Financial Statement Attachment G (see envelope marked G)