Oregon Public Broadcasting

A new study projects fewer fans and less revenue from a minor league baseball stadium in a Southeast Portland park than previous estimates concluded. Rob Manning reports.

The outside study anticipates 15 percent lower ticket sales for a ballpark in Lents, than under earlier projections that weren’t site-specific.

That means a Lents park would generate half a million dollars less a year than previously projected.

Ballpark supporter, commissioner Randy Leonard argues that the study mischaracterizes Lents as "suburban," and underestimates attendance. Besides, he argues - the deal currently in negotiation puts owner Merritt Paulson on the hook for any shortfall.

Construction of a new minor league park is considered key to moving the Beavers’ baseball team and making way for a Major League Soccer team, which Paulson would also own.

Sports backers did get good news on the soccer side of the deal, this week, when the Oregon House agreed to let Portland tax Major League Soccer players’ salaries to help pay for upgrades to the stadium downtown.