In a report from the TC Palm, the New York Mets and St. Lucie County officials have not yet agreed to a new facilities-use contract.  The contract would outline the use of Tradition Field, determine the responsibility for maintenance, and provide allocation of revenues derived from the stadium.  Reaching this agreement is a necessary step in the process that has already begun to apply for a $20 million grant to upgrade the 28 year year old Tradition Field.

According to Count Administrator Howard Tipton, “We are working to get all the necessary dominoes lined up prior to getting the state’s approval so that we can hit the ground running as soon as we get the green light.”  In order for the project to be green lit both sides need to resolve the aforementioned contractual issues, and then the proposed contract must be ratified by the County Commission.

The $20 million grant is seen as an important part of an $80 million renovation project intended to upgrade the facilities at Tradition Field.  The proposed construction includes new escalators, installation of a new elevator, and the creation of a 360 degree concourse.

While $20 million is coming from the state, the other $60 million will be borrowed by the County.  However, as Tipton indicated the county’s borrowing of the money is predicated upon obtaining the grant from the state.  As he said, “The state’s participation is critical for making this happen.  If we don’t have the state as a partner, then I think it will cause us to come back to the table and work out this deal differently.”

So far, the entire process is taking longer than anticipated, which could cause issues with Spring Training and Florida State League games.  The initial plans called for construction to be done around these times to avoid the Mets having to relocate games or their Spring Training in 2018 or 2019.  The longer the process drags on, the less likely the Mets can be accommodated.

Regardless of how the plans proceed, the Mets are contracted to stay in St. Lucie for Spring Training and Florida State League games until December 2023.  Accordingly, it would behoove them to move as quickly as possible to get renovations started so they can have a facility on par with other teams in the area.