Archive: Sports

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Tuesday that the Syracuse Mets are committing to sign a lease extension to call Syracuse home for at least 25 years. New York State is committing $12.5 million to Onondaga County's major renovation project at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, in preparation for the arrival of the Mets' minor league franchise in 2019. The $26.25 million project will result in an improved experience for dedicated baseball fans and visitors while ensuring the Mets' farm-team will stay in Syracuse until at least 2043. The Governor also announced the team has been renamed and will now be known as the "Syracuse Mets."

"Baseball has been ingrained in Syracuse's history for more than 80 years, and this critically important investment will ensure that it remains an 'amazin' part of this community's future for decades to come," Cuomo said. "By renovating this stadium, we are going to attract new and old fans alike, generate economic activity and increase tourism across the region and help foster the next generation of baseball greats."

Last November, Cuomo announced an agreement had been reached for the New York Mets to purchase the franchise rights to the Syracuse Chiefs, a Triple-A minor league baseball franchise, for approximately $18 million. The deal ensured that the team would continue to play at NBT Bank Stadium through at least 2025.

After continued discussions related to the lease of the County-owned stadium, the team committed to a 25-year lease (through 2043) that is contingent upon improvements to the existing stadium and facilities. The Syracuse Mets are projected to generate over 325,000 annual visits and generate over $6.6 million in annual spending for the region.

Onondaga County will commit $12.5 million to the project and New York State will provide a matching grant to support the large-scale renovations, which will include clubhouse upgrades; seat replacement in the stadium's upper and lower bowls; entryway and other graphic enhancements; lighting and audio upgrades; and the reconfiguration and design of the concourse and re-design of concession stands creating and exciting experience for the team's dedicated fans. Additionally, the City of Syracuse is providing $1.25 million for water, road and other infrastructure improvements supporting the stadium.

"The commitment by the Syracuse Mets to stay in the area for at least another 25 years, coupled with the State's investment to renovate the NBT Bank Stadium, will be a significant driver of tourism and economic development now and in the future," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Our commitment to this project will continue to increase the number of visitors to Central New York and support businesses while growing the economy of the entire region."

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