If you need a good example of why regionalism is a tough sell in Connecticut, just look at the fight over minor league baseball between Hartford and New Britain.
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If you need a good example of why regionalism is a tough sell in Connecticut, just look at the fight over minor league baseball between Hartford and New Britain.
Last week, just as Hartford was celebrating the implantation of the first steel beam for its new $56 million baseball stadium, the city of New Britain announced that it had a tentative agreement to bring a new minor league baseball team to the Hardware City.
The timing of the announcements, just hours apart, likely wasn't a total coincidence. New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart hasn't been shy about voicing her disdain over the backroom deal that led Rock Cats ownership to move the team to Hartford.
Stewart said she felt like an “MVP” when she announced that the Atlantic League has tentatively agreed to add or move a team to New Britain. No doubt, she enjoyed flexing her political muscles on a day when Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra was trying to stir up his own good press by inviting news media, particularly TV cameras, to witness the raising of Dunkin' Donuts stadium's first steel beam.
It's ironic that minor league baseball, which is marketed as a family-friendly event, has created such political tension between neighboring cities.
Beyond the politics, however, there is a much larger economic question: Can Greater Hartford support two minor league franchises? If Connecticut's economic development policies were grounded in a smart, regional approach (i.e., taking into account what is best for the state or region rather than individual municipalities) that question would have been answered before Central Connecticut's two largest cities decided to bring in separate minor league sports franchises.
The stakes are a lot higher for the city of Hartford whose taxpayers have staked $56 million to build the new baseball stadium. If the ballpark doesn't hit its attendance and corporate sponsorship targets, the city will have trouble paying its annual $4 million debt over 25 years. That could further strain Hartford's already tenuous budget situation.
Although they will be playing in different leagues, a competing New Britain franchise will negatively impact Hartford Yard Goats' financial projections. By how much remains to be seen.
Adding to the concerns: Developers of Hartford's new ballpark revealed last week that they are already $4 million over budget and trying to shave costs.
The good news is that there is evidence Central Connecticut will support pro sports teams. The New Britain Rock Cats had a loyal fan following for 32 years. A recent report by data research firm SmartAsset said Hartford, based on its population and mean household income, could even support a major league franchise.
Minor league sports serve as great family-friendly entertainment, particularly during the summer.
We hope both minor league franchises are able to succeed and bring economic vibrancy to their respective cities. No doubt, the Hartford Yard Goats will add excitement to downtown Hartford.
We just hope there will be enough interest to support two teams separated by 12 short miles.
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