A proposal and renderings are being put forth for a Major League Baseball Stadium to be built in Orlando. The main person behind this proposal is none other than Pat Williams.
Pat Williams has accomplished some pretty amazing feats, especially in the NBA. Williams is responsible for making roster moves that helped the Philadelphia 76ers win the 1982-83 NBA Finals. Less than a decade later, Williams was instrumental in persuading then-NBA Commissioner David Stern to grant an expansion franchise to the city of Orlando. Now, nearly four decades later, Williams is hoping to bring the city of Orlando an MLB Franchise.
Major League Baseball in Orlando
Expansion
Williams made it clear that the initial objective is to get an expansion franchise granted to the city of Orlando. “Expansion which is our focus right now,” Williams said. “We want to be one of the next two cities to be granted an expansion franchise. [Expansion] is coming soon and will likely be the last chance to see expansion in Major League Baseball in our lifetime. It is likely that one of the two expansion franchises will be west of the Mississippi and the other east. Looking east I feel we are better prepared to host a Major League franchise when compared to another city that will be in the running, which is Nashville.”
Relocation
Williams discussed what the plan would be should Orlando not be granted an expansion team. “We would like to be there for the Tampa Bay Rays should they be unable to come to an agreement with the cities of Saint Petersburg or Tampa. That decision should be coming within the next six months. The owner of the Rays has stated that if there is not a deal by December (2023), then we will have to look elsewhere.”
The Orlando…
When asked should a scenario play out where the Rays move to Orlando, would they take on the name Williams has been using for the bid to get an MLB franchise (the Dreamers)? Or, would they keep the Rays moniker? “The name is not resolved, but I will not make the same mistake the Miami Marlins made when they were granted an expansion franchise.” Williams pointed out that they called themselves the Florida Marlins even though they were in a city not central to most Floridians. “The team will be named after the city of Orlando and not be named after the state.” Williams also discussed the stadium will be an entertainment destination in and of itself. “It will be a place people will want to get to early. To experience all the shops, restaurants, and exhibits before settling in to enjoy a ballgame.”
Traffic
Williams feels that in any major city in the United States that traffic comes with the territory. “It’s part of being a big city in the United States. Just like any other big city. Like New York, Chicago, or Boston. I do not foresee it being a concern especially when you have three routes for automobiles to get to and from the stadium, like the 528, I-4, and International Drive.” Williams also pointed out how close the stadium would be to SeaWorld. This could also entice people to catch a ballgame.
Who Will Pay for the Stadium?
One of the fall-outs from the Marlins building a stadium on the site of the old Orange Bowl was that taxpayers will end up paying an estimated 2.4 billion in taxes over the long term. Williams said that the stadium will not cost the taxpayers a single penny. “That won’t happen,” Williams said. “We live in one of the most unique counties (Orange) in the country. A county that brings in 30-40 million a month in tourist tax dollars. And, it’s all thanks largely to Walt Disney.” Williams pointed out that in the past there have been questions as to why that money has not gone to other projects, causes, or endeavors. “The money cannot go to any other organization or endeavor because, by Florida State Law, that money must go to tourist development projects. Which would include the proposed stadium.”
Obstacles
Williams does not feel there are major obstacles to the stadium being built and Orlando getting an MLB team. “I feel that we have a really great chance of getting a franchise be it via expansion or team relocation. We would need to have approval from County Mayor, Jerry Demings, and the six county commissioners. Should that happen it will be full speed ahead within the next three to four months.”
The Media Market
Orlando is the 17th largest media market without an MLB or NFL franchise. Williams elaborated on that fact. “In the near future, Orlando will be the 13th largest media market without an MLB or NFL franchise. Another reason it would make sense for it to have an MLB franchise.” When asked if an opportunity for an NFL expansion franchise to come to Orlando should arise, would the Dreamers be interested in working with them to secure both, and could they use the same facility? “While there are no pending plans for NFL expansion or a team that is looking to relocate, we would certainly be open to an opportunity to serve as a temporary home to an NFL franchise while their stadium is being built. We want it to be a multi-use facility. I can envision the stadium hosting the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, for example.”
Takeaway
Pat Williams has a very well-thought-out and logistic plan for bringing an MLB franchise and stadium to Orlando. If Major League Baseball decides to grant Orlando an expansion franchise, it would be beneficial for all parties involved. However, if Orlando is not awarded a baseball franchise, and the Rays do not reach a deal with Saint Petersburg or Tampa, then the never-ending saga of the Rays stadium situation, could hopefully end. With a move an hour and a half east on Interstate four.
Photo Credit- Steven Bisig- USA TODAY Sports
