Ed Willson, a long-time fan of the minor league baseball team the Emeralds, has a jar filled with dirt from the pitcher’s mound at the team’s former home, Civic Stadium. After the stadium burned down in 2015, Mr. Willson planned to give the dirt to the team when they began construction on a new stadium. However, nine years later, the team is still without a permanent home and facing the risk of leaving town altogether, despite surviving various challenges including wildfires, reorganization by Major League Baseball, and the Covid pandemic.
The Emeralds have been playing their games at the University of Oregon’s baseball stadium, PK Park, and have consistently drawn large crowds, even in the midst of the pandemic. With a successful record in recent seasons and a loyal fan base, the team is facing a funding shortfall of over $50 million to build a permanent home. The proposed stadium at the Lane County Fairgrounds would seat 4,350 for baseball games and accommodate up to 10,000 for concerts, youth sports, and other events.
The debate around the Emeralds’ future reflects the struggle for affordable, in-person sports to survive in the current economic landscape, especially as major league ticket prices continue to rise. Minor league baseball teams like the Emeralds provide a more accessible and fan-focused experience, with lower ticket prices and a quirky, community-oriented approach to the game. Despite facing challenges in player compensation and facility upgrades, minor league baseball remains a haven for working-class families and fans of all ages.
The Emeralds’ general manager, Allan Benavides, has been a vocal advocate for the team’s need for a new stadium and has been working tirelessly to secure funding from various sources. The proposed stadium at the fairgrounds has received support from some neighborhood groups, while others, led by the city’s hoteliers, have raised concerns about the cost to taxpayers and the long-term viability of the project. With a crucial vote on city bonds approaching, Mr. Benavides is hoping for a positive outcome to secure the team’s future in Eugene.
As the debate over the Emeralds’ future continues, fans like Ed Willson remain hopeful that a solution will be found to keep the team in town. With the fate of the team hanging in the balance, the community is rallying together to support their beloved team and ensure that they have a permanent home. Despite the challenges ahead, there is a sense of optimism among fans and officials that the Emeralds will find a way to overcome the obstacles and continue to thrive in Eugene for years to come.
