Red Sox Will Continue to Call Lee County Home for Spring Training

The Boston Red Sox have made their decision - Lee County will remain the team's spring training home for the next 30 years. The deal was inked on Saturday and made everyone involved breathe a sigh of relief. The impetus for the signing came from the Lee Commissioners four day old decision to build the team a new stadium in south Lee County.

The next step in the process will be to find a suitable site on which to build the new stadium. Local officials have already begun their search and are currently eyeing the area between Daniels Parkway and Bonita Beach road. The site will have to be large enough to accommodate an all inclusive complex including at least five practice fields, the 9,999-seat stadium complete with a replica of the famed Green Monster and a berm in right field that hopefully will provide lawn seating for at least another 2,000 fans.

In the team's press release, Red Sox COO Mike Dee thanked both the Lee County officials and citizens for their extraordinary commitment. He also stated "the team recognizes the significance of the announcement and everyone is thrilled that the Red Sox Nation will continue to call Lee County our spring training home for many years to come."

While the cost for the new stadium is estimated to be in the $80 million range, local tourist officials believe the team generates about $45 million in economic benefit. In addition, some local officials including Commissioner Ray Judah see the new stadium as "the gift that may keep on giving." Their hope is that depending upon the new site's location; the stadium could become an anchor for a mega-sports facility similar to Hammond Stadium (home of the Minnesota Twins) at the Lee County Sports Complex. It is used year round for all types of baseball and softball events including being the home to our local minor league baseball team, the Miracles. Judah also emphasized the new complex could have the potential to host other events like concerts or even house an aquatics center in order to help generate more income for the community.

Being baseball fans ourselves, we applaud this new stadium addition and the commitment from the Boston Red Sox. Spending a beautiful 75 degree spring afternoon watching the "boys of summer" prepare for their season is almost like a right here in Southwest Florida. Now we know for certain, the Red Sox will be with us for a long time to come.