GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Green Bay’s city council has passed a development agreement for The Shipyard stadium.
But, a few things need to happen before construction can begin.
The stadium would be built on city-owned land next to the Mason Street Bridge. It has been vacant for about 30 years.
On a 9 to 3 vote, the council agreed to show commitment to the project by passing the development agreement.
It calls for the city to pay $9.5 million up front of the $11 million stadium proposal. The money would eventually be paid back through a 20-year lease agreement with the Green Bay Bullfrogs’ owners and tax revenue created from any new development in the area.
According to city staff, the current financial structure would have no impact on the city’s general tax levy. It would also not pull resources from other city sources.
Green Bay Alderman Joe Moore tells FOX 11 that means a lot to him.
“Joe whoever on the far east side isn’t going to pay a penny for this stadium if we can get everything put together the right way.”
“The naming rights and the other sources of revenue are still open to the city. That’s the only reason why I voted for it here tonight,” said alderman Guy Zima.
Naming rights are among the things expected to be negotiated in a management agreement. It must be reached, along with development deals for an Anduzzi’s restaurant and an indoor concert venue before construction can begin.
Both of those projects would be attached to the stadium.“Right now we don’t have a management agreement nor do we have a single proposal, but I’m satisfied that we still have enough left that this is largely symbolic here tonight.” said Zima.
“The proposal I think has been right,” said Moore. “It’s just been a matter of putting all the details together to bring it forward without having that negative effect.”
If everything comes together, the goal is to have the stadium ready for first pitch of the 2019 Bullfrogs season.
