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City of New Britain, Rock Cats Reach Agreement On New Lease February 9, 2006 Remarks of Mayor Timothy Stewart, Rock Cats News Conference: Good afternoon. I thank all of you for joining us here today for what is one of the most exciting announcements that I have been part of since becoming mayor three years ago. Today we are announcing that, after lengthy and cordial negotiations, we have reached an agreement that will keep the rock cats in new britain for a very long time. Bill dowling is an expert negotiator who has been a gentleman throughout our many meetings. What these negotiations have led to is an overall 20 year agreement beginning with a five year lease along with three five year options that will mean that the rock cats may be here until 2026 if all goes well. And that means the best family entertainment bargain in connecticut will continue to provide hundreds of thousands of baseball fans an opportunity to watch professional baseball in one of america's finest minor league baseball parks. We take great pride in our stadium and in the rock cats organization which has been a great partner for our community. Since this facility opened in april of 1996, fans have had a chance to see such outstanding future twins players as david ortiz, doug mientkiewicz, torii hunter, matt lawton and even eddy guardado play for our team here in new britain. The entire twins organization, along with the entire rock cats organization, have given fans first class quality baseball and its only going to get better. Some of the highlights of the agreement include the following:
Some of the new amenities that will be part of the agreement include:
Like I said at the beginning of my remarks.....this is an exciting day for the city of new britain and I am proud to be a part of signing this agreement that will keep the rock cats as a part of our community for many years to come. Thank you all once again for coming and now I would like to introduce to you bill dowling, president of the new britain rock cats. Rock Cats Press Release: Pact Could Keep Eastern League Club in Central CT Up To 20 Years
Today's agreement - which includes an initial five year lease and three ensuing five year options - culminates months of largely amicable negotiations between two parties who each had a strong desire for the team to remain in New Britain. The prior lease on municipally-owned New Britain Stadium expired in December of 2005. Under the deal signed today, the City will receive increased annual rental payments while shifting certain maintenance and utility-related expenditures away from local taxpayers and over to the Eastern League club. The Rock Cats, who have grown over the last six years to become Connecticut's most popular professional sports franchise, gain the security associated with having a stable, well-regarded playing venue that is readily accessible to the increasing number of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts families who have become their ardent supporters. In opening remarks, Mayor Stewart referred to the signing as "one of the most exciting announcements that I have been a part of since becoming Mayor three years ago", calling the Rock Cats "a great partner for our community" who provide "the best family entertainment bargain in Connecticut...in one of America's finest Minor League parks". He expressed considerable pride and anticipation "that the Rock Cats may be here until 2026 if all goes well". In response, Rock Cats GM Bill Dowling praised the Mayor's positive attitude throughout their discussions and expressed appreciation that the Rock Cats have achieved stability in a region that has been increasingly supportive of their brand of dynamic, family-friendly entertainment. "We have been so generously received by the fans of this area - we have every intention of remaining right here in New Britain. Coleman Levy and I made a commitment six years ago to do everything we could to engage the wonderful people of this region - and those folks have met us more than halfway. We have been inspired by their support and are thrilled to now continue our partnership with them and, of course, with Mayor Stewart and the great citizens of New Britain". Dowling indicated he believed the agreement provides the right mix of stability and flexibility, enabling both parties to address any changing circumstances that may arise over the out years of the lease. In baseball parlance, Dowling described today's agreement as "a home run for the home team. And by that I mean everyone at this head table". As the document signing required official witnesses, Dowling requested that two long time Rock Cats fans Stadium scoreboard operator Larry Michaels, and popular season ticket holder, Al Nelson come forward to provide that service. Mr. Michaels is a respected member of the Stadium press box corps who is thought to have missed only three New Britain games over the last twenty years; Mr. Nelson is a retired New Britain firefighter who, due to his kind and engaging manner, is a beloved daily visitor to the Stadium. Both gentlemen expressed delight that the Rock Cats and City will be continuing their productive association. The New Britain Rock Cats are the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the American League Central Division's Minnesota Twins. The franchise has been in New Britain since 1983 and, in 2005, established a franchise Single Season Attendance record by attracting 337,678 fans to New Britain Stadium. On the heels of having hosted 311,671 patrons in 2004, the Club became the sole Connecticut-based professional sports franchise in state history to exceed 300,000 in home attendance in two consecutive seasons. The 2005 total enabled the Rock Cats to climb to 43rd place overall in Minor League Baseball and 10th in the Double-A classification across all of North America. The Rock Cats will open their 2006 Season in 57 days when they host the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on April 6th at New Britain Stadium.
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