A Puerto Rico-based investment group joined the race to win the Expos at the weekend, but Northern Virginia has long been considered one of the front-runners, alongside Washington DC.
At a special ceremony, the Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority (VBSA), Virginia Baseball Club (VBC), and Diamond Lake Associates, unveiled the site and financing package for the Montreal Expos.
It hopes the ballpark – to be called Diamond Lake – will help sway the decision of league chiefs. A final choice is expected to be made next month.
Said VBSA chairman Keith Frederick: "Virginia is ready right now to bring Major League Baseball here. As soon as commissioner Bud Selig gives us the word, we are ready to deliver.
“Virginia needs no new taxes and no new legislation to make this baseball dream finally come true."
Diamond Lake Associates will build a 42,500-seat ballpark as part of a mixed-use development on vacant land near Dulles International Airport. The mixed-use development will include the ballpark, retail, commercial, and residential space.
The Stadium Authority confirmed earlier reports that participation by Diamond Lake Associates will reduce construction costs for the ballpark to $360 million. That is a level funded completely by revenues generated by the baseball team and ballpark operations previously enacted into Virginia law.
Said Bill Collins of VBC: "We have an exceptional location, a completed financing package, indisputable demographic evidence, and ample distance from Baltimore to make the relocated franchise successful long-term. This is the best market for the Montreal Expos. All the other markets pale in comparison."
Just days after a rival bid was sent to Major League Baseball chiefs, one of the favourites to land the Montreal Expos unveiled full details of its bid in the hope of convincing commissioner Bud Selig (pictured).
