Ballpark Evaluation Study Narrows Sites to Three
Mayor says three locations present unique opportunities, with East Bank providing greatest economic impact potential
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 1, 2011) -Mayor Karl Dean today released a baseball stadium site evaluation study that narrows potential locations for a new minor-league ballpark in Nashville to three: the East Bank of the Cumberland River, Sulphur Dell located near Germantown and the North Gulch area north of Charlotte Avenue.
The study by sports consulting firm Populous describes the three sites as “exciting options” for a new ballpark. The study calls the East Bank the site “that can produce impact on a grand scale.” It also says that development there “creates a new front door to downtown Nashville.”
The study says a ballpark in the North Gulch could build on the energy of ongoing Gulch development and could act as a gateway from West Nashville on Charlotte Avenue. The Sulphur Dell site, the historic location of professional baseball in Nashville, would be an opportunity to tie into two greenway systems and could boost development along Jefferson Street, the report says.
“All three sites present unique opportunities to enhance our city in different ways,” Dean said.
“Both the North Gulch and the Sulphur Dell locations would build on the growth and reinvestment of important urban neighborhoods. I am especially intrigued by the East Bank site because it offers opportunity for more than just a baseball stadium. It could be the catalyst for a complete transformation of one of the last undeveloped, highly visible sections of our city’s skyline.”
The report notes that the trend in most cities for financing a minor-league baseball stadium is through a public-private partnership.
“This study is the first step in a long process,” Dean said. “We are still a long way from a financing structure and an agreement with the Nashville Sounds. As the report points out, next steps include market and financial feasibility studies and further study of property acquisition. Additionally, there has to be a significant financial contribution by the Sounds.”
The former Thermal Transfer Plant near Riverfront Park, the Opryland/Music Valley area, the North Gulch south of Charlotte Avenue and the East Bank north of the Jefferson Street Bridge were also studied, as was renovating Greer Stadium. Greer has been home to minor-league baseball in Nashville since 1978.
View the full copy of the report
About Populous
Since inception in 1983, Populous has grown into the world’s leading design firm dedicated exclusively to creating environments that draw people and communities together for unforgettable experiences. The firm has completed more than 1,000 projects around the globe, including 18 new Major League ballparks, 48 minor league ballparks, 23 spring training facilities and 30 collegiate ballparks, ranging from Yankee Stadium to the renovation of Cheney Stadium, and the University of South Carolina’s College World Series Champion Gamecocks Stadium.
About Bruce Miller
Populous Principal Bruce Miller has spent a 23-year career at Populous focused on creating great ballpark experiences. Miller has led design teams for such recent projects as Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, and other award-winning ballparks that have successfully aided urban development. Miller is often cited as an expert source on minor and major league ballparks for media including Sports Business Journal, Urban Land Magazine, National Public Radio, The Business of Sports and Athletic Business. He was selected as one of Sports Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award winners in 2003.
For media inquiries contact:
Bonna Johnson
615-862-6461
bonna.johnson@nashville.gov