WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) - Worcester officials, who’ve spent more than a year trying to lure the Pawtucket Red Sox to their city, said they were planning a “major announcement” on Friday.
The announcement was scheduled for Friday afternoon.
The city didn’t mention the Boston Red Sox Triple-A affiliate in its statement about the announcement, but the PawSox emailed the statement to reporters.
PawSox officials said in July 2017 they would field offers from other cities interested in helping them build a new stadium after they failed to reach an agreement to remain in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Days later, about 10,000 postcards signed by fans urging the PawSox to move to Worcester, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northwest of Pawtucket, were delivered to team offices.
In June, Rhode Island’s governor signed legislation designed to keep the team in Pawtucket. That legislation enables the team, the state and the city to begin shopping for bonds to finance a new stadium in Pawtucket.
Under Rhode Island’s plan, the PawSox would contribute $45 million to the $83 million project and be responsible for any cost overruns. The state and the city would be responsible for the remaining $38 million in bonds.
Worcester officials have continued courting the team as it negotiates with Rhode Island. PawSox chairman Larry Lucchino and PawSox president Mike Tamburro were spotted touring the Massachusetts city last week.
Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito planned to attend Friday’s announcement.
The team’s owners previously sought to build a stadium in Providence, Rhode Island, and asked Rhode Island for $120 million in subsidies. That proposal died amid widespread public opposition. Rhode Island officials have since been working on the plan to keep the team in Pawtucket.
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