Music City Baseball, a local ownership platform looking to bring an MLB team to Nashville, is continuing preparations in advance of a possible expansion opportunity.
While the process is still years away, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred brought the possibility of expansion and realignment back to the forefront on Sunday while appearing on ESPN during the Little League Classic.
Manfred has previously said he wants the locations for two expansion franchises to be decided by the time he retires in 2029, and Nashville is considered a strong candidate.
“Our focus, and it always has been, is be ready for either relocation or expansion – but focusing on expansion – and just getting at least three years in front of it, because these things really are realistic,” John Loar, a member of MCB’s Board of Directors/Executive Committee, told SBJ Tuesday.
Loar said the focus right now is real estate. Music City Baseball partnered with Lincoln Property Co., and is evaluating two different sites in the downtown area. Mortenson previously did a site market analysis for MCB. The goal is to create a mixed-use development/ballpark entertainment district similar to The Battery in Atlanta.
“Within that is the opportunity for a ballpark to be built so that we can show MLB that we’re ready and able to show them that we can move this process forward in the market,” Loar said.
While MLB and its owners would make the decision on the franchise’s control person, MCB seeks to be part of the group and contribute to the cap stack. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam is a possibility, with Knoxville Smokies (Double-A Cubs) owner and MCB strategic advisor Randy Boyd also playing a role.
MCB is also looking to highlight the story that is baseball in Nashville. A partnership with the Negro League Museum has helped pay homage to the past, and Nashville Stars caps have been a huge hit in partnership with New Era.
“I think within two days we had gross sales of over $25,000, which is insane for us,” Loar said.
Loar attended the MLB Speedway Classic in Bristol, Tenn. which was a showcase of sorts for what the future of baseball could be in the state.
“I think the enthusiasm of just the fan base coming from all over the place just to be there and then coming back the next day (because of the rain) was just amazing,” Loar said.
