Medford, Ore. – The City of Medford is in talks with the Eugene Emeralds, a High-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, about potentially relocating the team to Jackson County with the construction of a new $90 million stadium.
The Emeralds, who have been seeking a new long-term home following their inability to secure funding for a new stadium in Eugene, are eyeing Medford as a possible destination after their efforts to secure a spot at the Lane County Fairgrounds or expand the University of Oregon’s PK Park fell through. At a city council study session on Wednesday night, the team’s General Manager, Allen Benevides, presented the proposal, alongside data from Beacon Economics, a Los Angeles-based economic research firm.
According to Benevides, the estimated cost of building the new stadium would be approximately $90 million, with Beacon Economics providing preliminary findings that suggest it could take up to 23 years before annual revenues from the facility would exceed its operational costs.
The city council is grappling with the feasibility of such a project, with some members expressing concern about the financial burden. “What I’m looking to you for is ‘Is this feasible?’” asked City Councilor Jessica Ayres during the study session.
Despite the hefty price tag, supporters argue that the stadium could serve as a crucial economic driver for downtown Medford. Chris Thornberg, the founding partner of Beacon Economics, emphasized the potential for the stadium to act as an anchor for downtown revitalization. “Having something like the Emeralds, having a stadium to tie all this together is a huge opportunity,” said Thornberg. “This is the capstone, this is the anchor, this is what you build everything else around.”
However, some council members remain wary of the project’s financial implications. City Councilor Nick Card voiced concerns over the city’s other pressing needs, including funding for a new jail and ongoing wastewater treatment facility upgrades. “We are raising rates for the Wastewater Treatment Facility. How many times have we talked about the need for a jail? That is going to come at a huge expense. And so, the last thing that I want to do is be like ‘hey, you guys, I know you just paid a bunch of money for a jail. Let’s build a stadium too!’”
Despite these concerns, the city council expressed interest in continuing discussions with the Emeralds, recognizing the long-term potential of such a development. The Emeralds’ owner, D.G. Elmore, has emphasized the urgency of moving forward, stating that the team is on a tight timeline and hopes for a swift decision.
As the conversation continues, Medford faces a difficult choice: can the city afford the $90 million price tag of a new stadium, and is the investment worth it for the potential economic and community benefits? The outcome will likely determine the future of professional baseball in Jackson County.