South Bend Cubs extend stadium deal
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — The South Bend Park Board has unanimously approved an extension of the services and management agreement with the South Bend Cubs to 2041. The agreement amends a previous one signed in 2011 and continues the arrangement between city and team.
“This is a win for the team and for the city,” said Aaron Perri, executive director, City of South Bend Venues, Parks & Arts. “The partnership between the ballclub and the city will continue to be phenomenal for another twenty years.”
The agreement comes on the heels of Major League Baseball extending invitations to 120 of the 160 currently affiliated clubs to continue their agreements with MLB teams, including the Cubs, who have been invited to progress to High-A status.
“Four Winds Field, which was built 33 years ago, is still one of the best in the country for minor league baseball,” added Andrew Berlin, chairman and owner of the South Bend Cubs. “The city and the team have both worked hard to keep it that way over the years. It is one of the principal reasons we will continue our wonderful relationship with the Chicago Cubs.”
Perri says a recent study from AECOM Research & Development’s formulas found professional baseball contributes around $25 million per year in direct economic impact to the region.