PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland City Council unanimously approved Wednesday to support constructing a Major League Baseball stadium in the South Waterfront.
The resolution voted on does not specify any price tag commitments by the city. It does, however, signal that Portland is serious about bringing an MLB team to the Rose City.
“I am proud to support Portland Diamond Project and leverage the City’s talent and resources in service of making this vision a reality,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler in a press release. “The positive impact to our region would be tremendous. Now is the time to dream big for Portland, our region and the state of Oregon.”
Portland Diamond Project intends on buying 30.85-acres of Zidell Yards in the center of South Waterfront to construct the MLB stadium. Currently, it's mostly undeveloped land, sandwiched between Oregon Health and Science University properties, the Tilikum Crossing bridge and the Ross Island Bridge.
The group has been trying to bring an MLB team to Portland for years, dating back to 2018, where they looked at the Lloyd Center Mall, the Terminal 2 site in Portland and the RedTail Golf Course property in Beaverton. However, for one reason or another, those plans fizzled.
Then in late September, the group announced its plans to purchase the site in Zidell Yards, the farthest the Portland Diamond Project has come in making an MLB stadium in the city a reality. Portland City Council's support Wednesday checks another box in albeit a lengthy list for it to come true.
“We are thrilled the city council passed this resolution, which shows the city’s support for a Major League Baseball team in Portland,” said Craig Cheek, founder and president of Portland Diamond Project, in a statement. “This is an important sign of progress. We want to thank the City for backing our vision of building a beautiful new baseball stadium on Portland’s South Waterfront that will be an economic driver for the region."
In September, Portland Diamond Project entered a 120-day due diligence period with a 42-month period to purchase the site. The resolution approved Wednesday directs city staffers to work with the group in the acquisition process, ensuring that stadium matches any city planning and development goals.
It also asks city staff to look at any properties and assets the city owns that could be used by a future baseball franchise to "increase the attractiveness" of Portland's proposal to be selected for an MLB expansion team.
“Bringing Major League Baseball to our central city represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to solidify Portland's commitment not only to economic recovery but also to re-strengthening our social fabric," said Commissioner Rene Gonzalez. "It’s time for us to swing for the fences.”
Commissioner Carmen Rubio added that the project has the potential to transform the South Waterfront into a "world-class destination."
“With the recent WNBA announcement, and the prospect of MLB in Portland, the City is solidifying its place as West Coast sports powerhouse," Commissioner Mingus Mapps said.
