ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Dreamers — led by MLB Hall of Famer Barry Larkin — confirmed they’ve identified an anchor investor to purchase a team and fund the $1.7 billion domed stadium project on a plot of land next to Aquatica water park in Orange County.
With the Tampa Bay Rays pulling out of a $1.3 billion ballpark deal in St. Petersburg and the recent developments from the group behind the Orlando Dreamers, the chance for MLB games to be played in Central Florida is at an all-time high.
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Jim Schnorf, co-founder of the Orlando Dreamers, reiterated the importance of having an anchor investor in the group.
“Regardless of what the path is for acquiring an MLB franchise for the Orlando area, be it expansion or relocation of an existing team, getting this aspect of the process correct is critical. Even with the relocation of a franchise where an existing control owner wants to remain in place, there will be a need for some Central Florida area ownership to assure that all the necessary local enthusiasm and support is in place,” he said in a statement.45,000-capacity
“We now have a letter of intent towards financing our state-of-the-art, 45,000-capacity domed stadium right in the middle of the tourist corridor, where we will welcome approximately 80 million tourists this year. The financing structure will provide a minimum of approximately $1 billion towards stadium construction costs, under an arrangement that is highly attractive to Orange County government and citizens, team ownership, and Major League Baseball,” Schnorf said.
“Major League Baseball remains committed to finding a permanent home for the club in the Tampa Bay region for their fans and the local community,” MLB said in a statement. ”Commissioner (Rob) Manfred understands the disappointment of the St. Petersburg community from (Thursday’s) announcement, but he will continue to work with elected officials, community leaders, and Rays officials to secure the club’s future in the Tampa Bay region.”
Williams spoke with News 6’s Justin Warmoth in 2023 about the push to bring baseball to Orlando and how a team could transform Central Florida. Watch the full interview below: