BlueSox to Remain in Butler
July 25, 2014 - Prospect League (Prospect)
Butler BlueSox News Release
Butler, PA - July 25, 2014 - The Majority Owner of the Butler BlueSox, PA BlueSox, LLC, approved a new, 10-year Lease with the City of Butler Parks Recreations Grounds and Facilities Authority (Stadium Authority) to continue play at Kelly Automotive Park. The Lease was signed on July 24, 2014.
"Our ownership group was, is and will always be committed to keeping the BlueSox in Butler. We believe the Stadium Authority recognizes the community value of maintaining a Prospect League team in our area and that the City is the best location for us to play," said ownership's Managing Partner, Wink Robinson.
The BlueSox made its Butler debut in 2009 under the leadership of former majority owner Leo Trich of Washington, PA. Mr. Trich sold his 60% interest in September 2010. The current 2014 season is the option year to lease Kelly Automotive Park under the prior Lease. Speculation in the community focused around the BlueSox either leaving Butler or the Stadium Authority inviting another similar baseball team to replace the BlueSox as the primary tenant at Kelly Automotive Park in 2015. "All of those unfounded rumors may now be put to rest," added Robinson.
The new Lease was negotiated between the parties over the past few months and focused upon the key provisions of the amount of per-game rent to be paid by the BlueSox, the division of net concession revenue between the parties and the joint ability to market Kelly Automotive Park. Roger Snodgrass, who is a partner of the majority ownership group, stated, "It's a fair deal. The important thing is we'll be here for the next ten years."
Ed Codi, the Chairman of the Authority, said, "This is good for the Authority, the BlueSox and the City of Butler." He added, "We're as happy as we could possibly be."
The 10-year Lease will take effect in 2015. "Through the joint efforts of our organization and the Stadium Authority, Kelly Automotive Park will survive its growing pains. I am very confident our long- term commitment to the area will provide stability moving forward," said Robinson.
Currently, the BlueSox are leading the East Division of the Prospect League seeking its first-ever playoff spot. Six (6) home games remain to be played this season.
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Prospect League Stories from July 25, 2014
- BlueSox to Remain in Butler - Butler BlueSox
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