The New York Yankees and Tampa Sports Authority have agreed to a $40 million renovation of George M. Steinbrenner Field, the two sides announced Monday.

The deal also extends the lease agreement between the Yankees and the TSA to keep the team’s spring training games in Tampa through 2046.

"The Steinbrenner family is extremely proud to have called Tampa Bay home for decades and extending the New York Yankees' agreement with the community through 2046 is very important to us," said Hal Steinbrenner, Yankees Managing General Partner. "We are excited to see these improvements to Steinbrenner Field, all of which will significantly improve the fan experience."

The renovations will include new concourses in the outfield and the addition of “social gathering areas” and more shade, according to a press release. There will also be improvements to the Yankees Spring Training Complex on Himes Avenue. It will be paid for equally by Hillsborough County through the Tourist Development Tax, the state Spring Training Retention Program and the Yankees.

Steinbrenner Field, named after the late Yankees owner in 2008, is also home to the Yankee's Single A minor league affiliate, the Tampa Yankees. The facility, located off Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard and North Dale Mabry Highway, first opened in 1996 as Legends Field.

The agreement still must be approved by the TSA board of directors, the Hillsborough County commission, the Tampa City Council, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority and the Hillsborough Community College board of directors.

Renovations will begin as soon as approval is granted and is expected to be completed in time for 2017 spring training games next March.

It's the second major renovation deal the TSA announced in recent months. At the end of 2015, the authority and the Tampa Bay Bucaneers agreed to terms on an $86 million renovation of Raymond James Stadium.

"The New York Yankees have been great partners in our community for decades and having these improvements and commitment thru 2046 will be a major economic benefit for our area ," said TSA President and CEO Eric Hart said in a statement. "I would like to thank the Hillsborough County administration and the New York Yankees for their efforts to ensure the continuation of this great partnership."

 

Source : tampabay.com

Report Abuse