Springfield Cardinals staying put as city becomes Hammons Field's official owner
In February, the City of Springfield announced plans to buy Hammons Field from the John Q. Hammons Charitable Trust for $16 million. Following approval from a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge and closing on the property, the city is the official owner of the stadium as of Tuesday, according to a press release.
To celebrate the ownership, the city and the Springfield Cardinals are opening the stadium to the community on Thursday to watch the 3:10 p.m. St. Louis Cardinals home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays on the stadium screen. Admission to Hammons Field will be free that day.
Will the Springfield Cardinals be staying in Springfield?
Yes, the Double-A franchise owned by the St. Louis Cardinals will remain in Springfield. The team has a lease agreement with the city.
“The St. Louis Cardinals have long enjoyed a strong relationship with the Springfield community, and we look forward to continuing it for many years to come,” said John Mozeliak, Cardinals’ president of baseball operations.
More:Missouri State baseball's offense is still powerful. What to know a month into the season.
Who else will be playing there?
The Missouri State University Baseball Bears will continue to play at Hammons Field.
How much was the field?
The price for the 8,000-seat stadium and two parking lots was $12 million. The parking lots include the one directly across Trafficway Street south of the stadium, and one to the west of the stadium that is not currently marked for parking.
The deal includes the creation of a $4 million fund to make Major League Baseball-mandated improvements addressing player health and safety, and spectator experience.
From February:Hammons Field sold: Springfield City Council approves $16 million purchase and renovation
Where did the city get the money?
The city said it is using "unrestricted savings from the general fund and monies earmarked for 'economic vitality' from the level property tax fund" for the purchase.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: City of Springfield finalizes $16M deal for Hammons Field
