Medford and Eugene Emeralds Cancel New Stadium Plans
The Eugene Emeralds and the city of Medford agreed to end plans for a new minor league baseball stadium in Medford, the city announced on Friday, Nov. 13.
The decision followed a City Council study session and subsequent discussions on Thursday, according to the city. Councilors reviewed a feasibility study exploring stadium development at two locations.
Elected officials raised concerns regarding the overall cost, potential impacts on residents, and whether the project could meet the tight timeline required for the Emeralds to comply with facility standards set by Major League Baseball in 2021.
“After considering Council’s feedback and the work that would be needed to advance the project within the required timeline, both parties determined not to move forward,” the city said in its announcement reported by Lookout Eugene-Springfield. “The Emeralds will instead focus their efforts on keeping the team in Eugene.”
Eugene Emeralds General Manager Matt Dompe did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Lookout Eugene-Springfield.
“We sincerely appreciate the time and effort the Mayor, City Council and City staff dedicated to exploring this opportunity,” said DG Elmore, the Eugene Emeralds’ owner, in the announcement. “While there are still important questions to address and challenges with the timeline, we believe the best path forward is to focus our efforts on keeping the Emeralds in Eugene. We’re grateful for Medford’s partnership and thoughtful consideration.”
The team operates as a High-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants and previously stated it would remain in Eugene at least through the 2027 season. Prior efforts to establish a new ballpark in Eugene stalled after voters in 2024 rejected a $15 million bond measure to build a facility at the Lane Events Center.
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