By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation,
Oregon Business Report notes “The Hillsboro Hops could be forced to move elsewhere if the organization fails to build a new $120 million stadium that meets Major League Baseball standards, but it faces a $20 million shortfall, according to KGW.com. All 120 teams in the MLB must sign an agreement saying it would provide ballfields and stadiums that meet certain standards, including a female locker room, weight rooms, a clubhouse, and places for players to eat.”
The team has $80 million in private funding pledges, $18 million in lodging tax revenue, but still short of their goal.
They tried but failed to get the Legislature to award $20 million in funding.
This comes at a time when their current stadium is only hosting 1,800 fans per game. That is one of the worst seasons ever for attendance.
Should taxpayers fork up $38 million in tax dollars to subsidize 1,800 fans?
(file photo)