Charlotte Knights AAA Ballpark in Third Ward

[HopHead]

Haven't heard any news on the Knights and whether they reached a deal for financing for the ballpark. They were supposed to have that lined up by June 30th as a part of their deal with the city. Have to wonder if no news is good news or not -- though I heard the team was working 'feverishly' last week. I would like to think that since BB&T is the main partner on the naming rights deal this should be an easy thing to do if they are loaning the money.

[dubone]

I somewhat guess that no news is bad news given that they'd probably make a big fanfare if they had it. But maybe they're close and are keeping it quiet until they have everything signed.

I do wish them success, though.

[navigator319]

I just moved into the Trademark building uptown with a great view of the soon to be Knights stadium, not to mention the new park and the rest of the city.

I'm so happy the city gave them that last 8 million (over 20 years btw) to get this done. I was also hoping to hear some news on the financing, but I am not worried as of yet. They put up new signs on the lots the past couple weeks with the updated renderings and logos.

This is going to be very good for Charlotte, not to mention my property value

[kermit]

Looks like the financing plan was submitted to the city on Friday

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/07/03/3359321/charlotte-knights-submit-financing.html

EDIT: looks like they have another sponsor signed and another about to sign (both are unnammed). Construction loan provider was not named.

The construction schedule says that site work will begin immediately following the DNC.

Edited July 3, 2012 by kermit

[HopHead]

^Yea, I was just reading that article. It wasn't exactly easy to you find. I only found it because I googled it... Looks like they have their plan set, just need the stamp of approval from city council.

[sleightofhand]

They're in the process of adding construction fencing around one of the city blocks where the stadium will go so I'm assuming the financing package went through.

[navigator319]

They're in the process of adding construction fencing around one of the city blocks where the stadium will go so I'm assuming the financing package went through.

What city block are you refereing too? I dont see any new fencing around the two, only the rusty barb wire

Edited July 4, 2012 by navigator319

[ajfunder]

Drove by there this morning. There are roles of new fence along the perimeter of the site, but none of it is being put up yet.

[CLTNative]

As eager as most of us are to see activity on this site, keep in mind that nothing will happen prior to the DNC. The City is relocating bus service to the Virginia Paper lot during the event, so anything going on is more than likely related to that. Hearsay is that there will be a large hospitality tent, restroom trailers, and food trucks with busses queing up on 4th st. Not the best idea, but it's happening.

Edit: Queing on 3rd St.

Edited July 4, 2012 by CLTNative

[ah59396]

They are in the process of building that "Presidential Experience" thing in uptown on the site where the ballpark will be. It is a serious construction site. They've got full bore steel going up with high quality tenting and flooring being laid down. That area is going to see some serious hustle and bustle in the next 3 weeks.

[dubone]

I saw it, too. It's a huge event tent.

It's funny that the vacant land was actually an asset for the DNC in this case, although certainly if the AAA stadium were already there, they might well have been able to do the event in there too.

[Spartan]

I could be wrong, but I think the work being done right now is part of the temporary transit center which will be located at 3rd & Mint.

[carolinagarnet]

I was walking in the area on Saturday morning and noticed that they removed a small wall separating two parking lots behind Picasso's, right across from the entrance to the Romare Bearden site. Does anyone know if something is being built there or if they are just forming a bigger lot?

[tozmervo]

"...will officially break ground in three weeks," so right after the convention.

http://charlotte.news14.com/content/top_stories/662733/lead-architect-promises-cozier-layout-for-knights--new-ballpark

[ah59396]

^ Awesome news. I can't wait to watch this thing grow.

[HopHead]

More specifically, the ground breaking for the Knights stadium will be September 14th: http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/groundbreaking-knights-new-stadium-september/nRJTf/

[15895]

Sept. 14th is approaching. I was reminded by the O who just ran an article. The developer said it will be as pedestrian friendly as possible. And this will be a catalyst for multifamily housing. Wonder if we'll get any more details or specifics.

Edited September 12, 2012 by AirNostrumMAD

[HopHead]

Everyone, repeat after AirNostrumMAD...

[ah59396]

I'm so excited about this project, I can't contain it. When I drive by there on Friday and see even minimal activity I'm probably going to crash my car out of giddiness. C'mon September 14th!

[15895]

^ me to. This side of town was embarrassing with all the parking lots. But over the next year, III Ward will be a crown jewel. It's also exciting Romare and Knight Stadium will transform our relatively linear downtown 3D.

[Guest]

You will be able to stand at the corner of milk and Tryon and pretend downtown is wider than it is! You will look down and see a grandnpark and baseball stadium in the distance. Plus the new apartment tower! Woohoo!

[Urbanity]

I usually avoid the Observer comments section, but I had to check and I was right - There are a couple of Jerry Reese zingers including a question as to whether he'll chain himself to the site to prevent construction!

[49er]

Maybe we can have a gold Jerry Reese statue outside the stadium like the one in Myers Park on Queens. Or put his likeness on the urinal cakes...

[ah59396]

They should name re-name 3rd street "Jerry Reese Blvd".

[Guest]

They should name re-name 3rd street "Jerry Reese Blvd".

How much do I have to donate to the city to get this to happen?