GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ)- The Green Bay Bullfrogs signed a deal to play baseball at a new complex in Ashwaubenon, and it’s game over for the plans to bring The Shipyard to Green Bay as proposed.
The Bullfrogs announced Wednesday that they will be moving to a soon to be built $10 million dollar stadium on 5.6 acres in Ashwaubenon. The plans also include an office and store at 2231 and 2205 Holmgren Way.
Bullfrogs owner, Big Top Baseball said they will pay for the cost of the construction. President Vern Stenman said they feel that location was a key selling point.
“It is going to put us more in the center of where our fans were already coming from, so we are excited for the location of it.”
The news comes as a disappointment for those hoping and dreaming for The Shipyard.
Green Bay Alderman Joe Moore said the proposal for an Anduzzis restaurant and new concert hall, was contingent on building a ballpark for the Bullfrogs in Green Bay.
“None of that stuff is going to happen now. It only took one domino to fall over and it brought everything down with it.”
Moore said it is disappointing considering all the work and planning that went into the proposal
“I felt like I got punched in the gut quite honestly.”
Moore says Green Bay struck out this time.
“Here we are with a zero tax based grass field because somebody was willing to step up to the plate and hit one out of the ballpark. Here we are, sitting in the dugout.”
He added that Green Bay did alot of work in getting the plans in place, but could not close the deal.
“It is embarrassing to look back and think that we lost this. When we see this thing get built in Ashwaubenon and we see the growth that gets built up around it, kudos to Ashwaubenon. They are working hard to bring some growth and the city of Green Bay just isn’t.”
While the news means the end to what was proposed, Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt says they will work hard to find some new players for a project.
“This hurts. We’re still committed to the waterfront development. We’re still committed to that neighborood.
The new stadium in Ashwaubenon is expected to ready for the 2019 season.
