Baseball Back in Macon? Officials Discuss Funding a Feasibility Study

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – After striking out in years past with teams like the Macon Braves and Macon Music, city officials are getting back in the game when it comes to minor league baseball.

Mayor Robert Reichert and the Urban Development Authority Board members met informally Wednesday night to discuss the possibility of funding a feasibility study on whether or not minor league baseball is a good fit for Macon. Representatives with CHA Sports, Huntley Partners, ZT3 and Odell talked potential architecture plans, site ideas and the anticipated economic impact. The bulk of the presentation surrounded the idea of constructing a new baseball park.

The city hasn’t had or even discussed the possibility a baseball team since 2002, when the Macon Braves moved to Rome, Georgia. The team left shortly after the city of Rome built a new multimillion dollar stadium.

But when it comes to breaking new ground in the world of baseball, Mayor Reichert says they aren’t even at first base yet.

“What team would play here? What level of baseball?,” Reichert asked, “none of those questions have been answered. Do we use the old stadium or do we build a new one? Where would it be? We don’t know. The question is should we investigate this idea.”

Baseball is expected to be back on the Urban Development Authority Board’s agenda at the monthly meeting Thursday at 8:30 a.m. at the MTA Terminal Station. The UDA could vote on the study there.

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