New Lease Keeps Defenders at Dodd
Published on December 30, 2005 under Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
(Norwich, Conn.) - The City of Norwich and the Connecticut Defenders have officially signed a new lease that will allow the Double A Franchise to play at Dodd Stadium through the 2009 season. The lease negotiation process to extend the terms of the lease beyond the 2006 season began shortly after the purchase of the team in April by new President and Managing Partner, Lou DiBella. DiBella made it clear at his first press conference at the ballpark that the lease extension was a top priority for his new ownership group. By extending the lease, the Connecticut Defenders reinforce their commitment to making Double-A Professional Baseball thrive in the region. DiBella and his partners purchased the team with the intention of turning around a franchise that once drew more than 280,000 fans in its inaugural season in 1995.
The new terms of the agreement were negotiated for several months by a committee of City officials including, City Manager, Richard Podurgiel, Aldermen, J.P. Mereen and John Newson, as well as Norwich Baseball Stadium Authority Board Members William Kenny and Peter Maneri.
"The Connecticut Defenders are proud to announce that Norwich Connecticut will remain our home, said team President and Managing Partner, Lou DiBella. "We will continue to make changes for the benefit of our fans and the community and we vow to put more people in the seats. The Defenders anticipate the support of the people of Norwich as well as the business community. Together we can make 2006 a banner year."
Recently elected Norwich Mayor, Ben Lathrop, was also thrilled to hear the good news. "It's an exciting time for the City of Norwich and for Defenders Baseball", said Lathrop. "A new journey for professional baseball has begun and I am proud to say that I am an avid supporter of the team. We are looking forward to working with Lou DiBella and his staff to make the Defenders a huge success."
In September, the City of Norwich was awarded a grant by the Connecticut Department of Economic Development in the amount of $200,000 to be used towards the installation of a new, state-of-the-art LED video board at Dodd Stadium for the 2006 Season. The Norwich Baseball Stadium Authority recently selected Daktronics to perform the installation. Daktronics has installed boards for hundreds of sports venues including Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium, home of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.
Attorney Glenn Carberry, the team's legal council and limited partner negotiated the lease on behalf of the new ownership. "This agreement will keep Minor League Baseball in Norwich for years to come", said Carberry. "It is another sign of the city's economic growth. We appreciate the leadership demonstrated by Alderman Mereen and Alderman Newson during these negotiations, as well as the continued encouragement of Mayor Ben Lathrop."
The Connecticut Defenders are the Class Double A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, and a member of the 12-team Eastern League. They open the 2006 season at home at Dodd Stadium on April 6 against the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox). Game time is 6:35 p.m. Individual and Season Tickets are available now by calling 860 887-7962, ext. 114.
Eastern League Stories from December 30, 2005
- New Lease Keeps Defenders at Dodd - Connecticut Defenders
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