HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-13-2011 Redevelopment plan will fund Coveleski upgrades 0450UT11
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Office of the Mayor
NEWS RELEASE
December 13,2011
5 p.m.
Redevelopment plan will fund Coveleski upgrades
Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications&Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564
or Don Inks, Director of Economic Development, 235-9371
New improvements to Coveleski Regional Stadium were authorized today by South
Bend's Redevelopment Commission after reviewing an agreement for use of the City-
owned stadium by new ownership of the South Bend Silver Hawks.
The use, management and operations agreement for Coveleski Stadium previously was
approved by Mayor Stephen J. Luecke and the South Bend Board of Parks and
Recreation. The Redevelopment Commission's approval is required because the
agreement calls for financing up to $1.75 million worth of improvements to the stadium
from the downtown Tax Increment Financing district.
Former Gov. and Mayor Joe Kernan, president of the South Bend Silver Hawks,
announced Nov. 23 that an agreement to purchase the team has been reached with
Andrew Berlin, owner of Chicago-based Swing-Batter-Swing LLC as well as chairman
and CEO of Berlin Packaging. The sale is still subject to approval by the Midwest
League, Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball.
In addition to keeping the team in South Bend, the new ownership has committed to
funding some of the stadium improvements.
Built for $11 million in 1987, Coveleski Stadium has a 5,000-seat capacity. Coveleski is
owned by the City of South Bend and managed by the South Bend Parks and Recreation
Department. It is home to the South Bend Silver Hawks, a Class A minor league baseball
franchise.