Minor League Ballpark Development Announced In Macomb County
UTICA (CBS Detroit) - A 2,500-seat baseball stadium is on deck for Macomb County.
A local developer plans to spend up to $10 million on a ballpark for a minor-league baseball team in Utica, according to Macomb County officials.
Plans for what the county is touting as "a major sports entertainment development" also include retail space, a parking structure and condominiums.
"This project, a major business attraction success, demonstrates intergovernmental cooperation can lead to positive economic development," the county said, in a media release.
Local residents talking to WWJ's Charlie Langton were excited to hear about the project — including Clyde of Washington Township, who believes the ballpark will draw attendees from across the county.
"They can come from Shelby and other cities, too...Shelby, Sterling Heights and other cities," he said. "So, it will be good! If you've got a good team; like they say: If you build it, they will come."
Kim Wade of Sterling Heights is worried about the logistics.
"Where the heck are they gonna put it in Utica? There's not no room in Utica," Wade said. "Oh, well, they'll have to tear down a bar."
But would she attend a baseball game in Utica?
"Oh yeah — as long as they keep the prices good and they have some popcorn and peanuts and stuff like that. I'm sure they're not gonna sell beer," Wade said.
Whether Wade was right about the beer was not immediately clear.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackle was expected to make an official announcement and release more details about the project later Monday.