County approves agreements for Braves training facility

Now that all parties have approved the agreements, the project can get started after more than a year of planning.

By Cassidy Alexander
| 3:15 p.m. September 13, 2017

The proposed training facility is expected to be finished in January 2019.

Sarasota
News

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the agreements necessary for the Atlanta Braves Spring Training Complex, after the state of Florida agreed to contribute $20 million in funding for the project.

The North Port City Commission to approved the agreement Sept. 20, which was the last thing needed before the project could finally get started.

Commitments from all involved parties

Team

30-year stadium operating agreement
Serve as construction administrator
Upfront cash contribution, bridge funding and advance state funding
Annual payments to cover the stadium debt
Annual contributions toward stadium maintenance ($5.625 million over 30 years)
Responsible for all cost overruns (unless caused by another party)
Responsible for purchase of main scoreboard and all furnishings
Responsible for routine costs associated with operations and maintenance
Own and operate Year-Round Academy (player development and rehab facility)
Two options to extend the term for consecutive five-year periods ($250,000 annual payments to county)

Sarasota County

Bonded net proceeds of $21.262 million provided to the West Villages Improvement District
Annual contributions toward stadium maintenance ($5.625 million over 30 years)
Purchase title insurance as part of ownership transfer at substantial completion (approximately $117,000)
Assume ownership of the stadium upon completion of construction

West Villages Improvement District

Responsible for design and construction of facility by January 2019
Fund a portion and construct off-site infrastructure
Applicant for the State of Florida for spring training grant
Bond the state revenue and the team lease payments

Developer

Provide approximately 94 acres of land
Contribute $4.7 million upfront to offset stadium debt
Funding a portion of off-site infrastructure

North Port

Contribute $4.7 million upfront to offset stadium debt

State

Contribute $20 million from its Sprint Training Retention Fund ($1 million per year)

“This has been a long time coming,” Commissioner Al Maio said. “This is a great day for our county.”

The Commission originally gave the county administrator permission to pursue the training complex in March 2016, and more than a year later, it’s come to fruition.

On Wednesday, commissioners approved the development agreement between the county, the state, the city of North Port, the West Villages Improvement District, the developer and the Atlanta Braves, which outlines what responsibilities and funding each party has committed to.

Commissioners also approved an interlocal agreement that outlines rights and responsibilities between the county and the West Villages Improvement District. Essentially, the West Villages Improvement District will be responsible for the design and construction of the training facility. Upon completion, ownership will be transferred to the county.

Sarasota County committed $21 million in funding form its tourist development tax.

“I think this is going to be a huge economic stimulator,” Commissioner Mike Moran said.

The current cost estimate for the stadium is $100 million, up from the previously expected $80 million. The increase in price has no impact on the county's contribution.

The stadium is projected to open in January 2019 in time for the Grapefruit League spring training season.