Phillies future in Clearwater in jeopardy over funding
Stadium upgrades at the Phillies minor league facilities need more public funding
The Phillies spring training home for more than 70 years is facing a financial roadblock that could lead the team to leave their facilities.
Clearwater is planning a nearly $80 million renovation to Spectrum Field and the Carpenter Complex, where the Phillies host spring training, their Advanced Single-A club Clearwater Threshers, and the organization’s rehab facility.
However, the city may not have enough money to cover the upgrades for Spectrum Field and the surrounding Carpenter Complex. If the money can’t be put together by Dec. 31 the Phillies could opt out of a preliminary deal that would keep them in Clearwater beyond their 2023 lease.
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According to a preliminary plan laid out by the city, the project will seek $40 million from the county Tourist Development Council, a $14 million state grant designed for retaining professional baseball teams, and $16 million from its Penny for Pinellas fund.
An additional $10 million will be provided by the Phillies, who have agreed to extend their lease by 20 years once the current deal expires in 2023 if the funding is obtained.
However, the city does not have the $16 million from the Penny for Pinellas fund it initially projected. Between an unfunded $55 million waterfront revitalization plan, Imagine Clearwater, and other projects, Clearwater doesn’t have the funds to support all their projects.
City attorney Pam Akin warned Clearwater’s city council they “do not currently have $16 million established for this project…so, there will be a point during the summer – during the budget and finalization of these agreements – that we will have to determine where you will provide that additional funding.”
Renovations to the Carpenter Complex and Spectrum Field include a dormitory for players and staff that currently reside in hotels.
- 160-bed dormitory
- Second story of office space
- Coach’s locker room
- Improved minor league food service facilities and dining area
- Player support facilities, including fitness and training space
- New stadium seating and air conditioners
If funding is not picked up, the Phillies will receive compensation of approximately $2.5 million for facility planning. Spectrum Field opened 16-years ago, and the impact Clearwater feels from the ball club is enormous.
Clearwater Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar says the Phillies had an economic impact of $125 million during spring training, and the club adds another $25 million in direct spending into the economy.
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Ultimately, it feels unlikely the club moves out of Clearwater given the facilities already in place and the history between the club and city. It’ll be a story to watch in the coming months and years as the city looks to gather funding for their projects.