Cubs' Spring Training Likely to Stay in Mesa
The Cubs made the announcement today that they will continue negotiations exclusively with Mesa in hopes of reaching an agreement on a new spring training facility. The team had previously been working with an investment group that was trying to lure the team to Naples, Florida.
In a statement on the team's website, Chairman Crane Kenney had the following to say: "The Cubs are appreciative of the efforts from the Naples team to provide the club with a first-rate Spring Training facility. Naples is a world-class city and could undoubtedly provide our organization and fans an exceptional facility and experience." [photogallerylink id=22546 align=left]Mesa, however, has been the team's spring training location every year since 1979 and will more than likely stay the location as indicated by Kenney: "Despite the opportunity that exists in Naples, for the time being we will continue our work in Mesa to build a new Spring Training facility there." This isn't the first news of the Cubs negotiations with the city of Mesa, back in spring training the infamous "Cubs Tax" was being protested by the other Major League teams that call Mesa their spring home. The proposed tax would add a surcharge to all team's tickets in order to help pay for the $84 million proposed facility for the Cubs.
