The Day After

Wizards, not city, will pay to run stadium, owner says
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16907938.htm

From the article:

"Jason Freier, CEO of Hardball Capital, the owner of the Fort Wayne Wizards, said the company would likely assume most of the operational responsibility for a new stadium."

"About 100 people attended an event at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne on Wednesday afternoon.
More than double that amount attended a panel discussion on the project Wednesday evening at the downtown library."

"[Mark Becker] said by having the Wizards’ owners run the stadium, they would be more willing to get the most out of the stadium, thus increasing revenues."

"For future upgrades, the team plans to supply money to the city each year for eventual capital improvements to the stadium, Freier said."

"Brody said the hope is to have the agreement with Hardball and an agreement on a new downtown hotel finalized by mid-April to present to the City Council. The agreement would include the finances of the project as well as the guarantees provided by the private company."

"Freier said the contract will include clauses requiring them to build more condominiums and retail space if the first phase of the project sells within a certain time frame. The additional phases would be strictly private investment, Brody added."

Cheaper seats offered for new stadium
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16907949.htm

From the article:

"Because the owners are planning to invest millions into shopping and housing around the stadium, Freier said the company may lose some money in baseball profit, but it would benefit by having more people downtown."

Most at forum for Harrison Square
Developers were there to discuss downtown plan
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16909368.htm

From the article:

"Freier, president of Hardball Capital, which owns the Fort Wayne Wizards, said his group would assume significant operations costs for the stadium if built, removing much of the burden from the city. He said the lowest Wizards ticket price will be lower than the current $6.50 because a new stadium would give the club different seating options, such as grass seating beyond the outfield walls."