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The Memphis Redbirds and Memphis City Council are at odds over the City of Memphis' $5 million ask for AutoZone Park renovations — and tensions are escalating.
On June 11, the Redbirds issued a statement in response to comments made by Memphis City Council Vice Chairman Chase Carlisle during a June 9 city council meeting that questioned the futures of both the city-owned AutoZone Park — the Redbirds' home stadium since 2000 — and minor league baseball in downtown Memphis.
"We are disappointed by some comments made during Tuesday's City Council discussion regarding AutoZone Park," the Redbirds said in their prepared statement. "The funding under discussion is not for luxury upgrades or optional enhancements. These are critical infrastructure, life-safety, and Major League Baseball compliance projects required to maintain a city-owned facility. Many of these improvements have already been completed because they simply could not be delayed."
The Redbirds (the AAA affiliate of Major League Baseball's St. Louis Cardinals) also cited AutoZone Park and the organization as key economic drivers for Memphis.
Despite those sentiments, Carlisle issued a statement of his own on June 11, doubling down on his stance toward the lack of specifics included in the $5 million request.
"When the administration brought forward its proposal, it came with no numbers and little detail," Carlisle's statement reads. "That is not a basis on which the Council can responsibly approve public spending."
But Carlisle also made clear he wants the Redbirds to remain a tenant of AutoZone Park. The team's current lease expires in 2030.
"It is my hope that the Redbirds remain in downtown Memphis, alongside other uses that bring people to the park year-round," Carlisle said. "AutoZone Park is an undermanaged and underutilized asset. The people of Memphis deserve a plan that changes that."
Redbirds president Craig Unger has been outspoken in recent years about the dire need for substantial funding assistance to make AutoZone Park a viable facility for minor league baseball and more.
"After more than 25 years with limited capital investment, substantial improvements will still be required to modernize the facility," the Redbirds' statement reads. "Including seating, restrooms, concessions, technology, and other amenities to serve fans in today's sports and entertainment venues.
"We remain committed to Memphis and to working collaboratively on a long-term plan for AutoZone Park. However, maintaining the status quo is not a strategy. The future of this facility, and its role in downtown Memphis, deserves serious discussion and long-term commitment."
The Memphis City Council will reconvene in two weeks to address the ongoing issue.
Reach Commercial Appeal sports intern Said Bravo at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Redbirds highlight 'critical' AutoZone Park needs amid funding debate
Continue reading...
On June 11, the Redbirds issued a statement in response to comments made by Memphis City Council Vice Chairman Chase Carlisle during a June 9 city council meeting that questioned the futures of both the city-owned AutoZone Park — the Redbirds' home stadium since 2000 — and minor league baseball in downtown Memphis.
"We are disappointed by some comments made during Tuesday's City Council discussion regarding AutoZone Park," the Redbirds said in their prepared statement. "The funding under discussion is not for luxury upgrades or optional enhancements. These are critical infrastructure, life-safety, and Major League Baseball compliance projects required to maintain a city-owned facility. Many of these improvements have already been completed because they simply could not be delayed."
The Redbirds (the AAA affiliate of Major League Baseball's St. Louis Cardinals) also cited AutoZone Park and the organization as key economic drivers for Memphis.
Despite those sentiments, Carlisle issued a statement of his own on June 11, doubling down on his stance toward the lack of specifics included in the $5 million request.
"When the administration brought forward its proposal, it came with no numbers and little detail," Carlisle's statement reads. "That is not a basis on which the Council can responsibly approve public spending."
But Carlisle also made clear he wants the Redbirds to remain a tenant of AutoZone Park. The team's current lease expires in 2030.
"It is my hope that the Redbirds remain in downtown Memphis, alongside other uses that bring people to the park year-round," Carlisle said. "AutoZone Park is an undermanaged and underutilized asset. The people of Memphis deserve a plan that changes that."
Redbirds president Craig Unger has been outspoken in recent years about the dire need for substantial funding assistance to make AutoZone Park a viable facility for minor league baseball and more.
"After more than 25 years with limited capital investment, substantial improvements will still be required to modernize the facility," the Redbirds' statement reads. "Including seating, restrooms, concessions, technology, and other amenities to serve fans in today's sports and entertainment venues.
"We remain committed to Memphis and to working collaboratively on a long-term plan for AutoZone Park. However, maintaining the status quo is not a strategy. The future of this facility, and its role in downtown Memphis, deserves serious discussion and long-term commitment."
The Memphis City Council will reconvene in two weeks to address the ongoing issue.
Reach Commercial Appeal sports intern Said Bravo at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Redbirds highlight 'critical' AutoZone Park needs amid funding debate
Continue reading...
