The City of Medford and the Eugene Emeralds have ended their exploration of building a new stadium for the Minor League Baseball team, Jefferson Public Radio reported.
The decision marks an abrupt turnaround for a project that had been under discussion since the spring of last year. After a study session on Thursday night, the partnership was dissolved, shifting the focus back to the team’s current home in Eugene.
“We believe the best path forward is to focus our efforts on keeping the Emeralds in Eugene,” said Eugene Emeralds owner DG Elmore.
Project costs exceed $75 million estimates
The proposal collapsed after a city-commissioned study identified financial and logistical problems with the project. While the initial estimate placed the cost of building a stadium at the site of Hawthorne Park at more than $75 million, city staff told Jefferson Public Radio that the actual figure was likely closer to $90 million.
Medford Mayor Michael Zarosinski expressed concerns regarding the fiscal burden the project would place on the local government.
“What appears to me is the city of Medford taking a bulk of this, and it’s still a very expensive project,” Zarosinski said, noting that the endeavor would likely “suck up a lot of resources that could be used in other places.”
The timeline also proved to be a point of contention. Elmore had expressed a desire to have the stadium operational by April of 2029, a goal that would have required the city council to move forward with the plan during its following week’s meeting.
Councilor Nick Card voiced skepticism about the speed of the proposed development, suggesting that the city needs more time to seek broader support.
“I think we need the opportunity to talk to the state and see if the state is willing to participate in this kind of a project, see if we can find other community partners who want to participate,” Card said.
Debate over land use and resources
The proposed location of Hawthorne Park was a central point of friction between developers and local residents. While the study included Harry and David Field as a potential site, Elmore stated his team would only be satisfied with a facility at Hawthorne Park.
BREAKING: Medford, Eugene Emeralds End Plans for Hawthorne Park Stadium “We’re grateful for Medford’s partnership and thoughtful consideration,” said DG Elmore, owner of the Eugene Emeralds. pic.twitter.com/OCgWNV9LDY
Local residents organized to protect the downtown green space from development. Miriam Grayer, representing Citizens for Hawthorne Park, argued that the park serves a vital role for the local population.
“We’re here because we don’t want it at Hawthorne Park,” Grayer said, adding that it is the only park within walking distance of downtown residents.
Beyond the environmental and community impact, council members questioned the economic logic of the stadium’s design. Councilor John Quinn suggested the project might compete with other development goals, such as a potential conference center.
“You don’t want to start with something that puts you in a hole of debt that will never generate property tax, and hope that it generates revenue in other ways,” Quinn said.
Quinn also challenged the accuracy of the study’s data regarding infrastructure, specifically stating that the projected parking spaces for the 3,000-seat facility “are not real” because they are already being used by others.
| Project Detail | Estimated Value / Figure |
|---|---|
| Initial Stadium Cost Estimate | Over $75 million |
| Likely Actual Cost Estimate | Close to $90 million |
| Emeralds’ Proposed Contribution | $10 million |
| Proposed Stadium Capacity | 3,000 seats |
| Target Opening Date | April 2029 |
The city stated it remains committed to exploring other opportunities for economic development. For now, Hawthorne Park remains intact.
The City of Medford and the Eugene Emeralds have decided not to move forward with plans for a Minor League Baseball stadium in Medford. For more information, visit the link in our bio. pic.twitter.com/nvOxEzII0R
“We’re grateful for Medford’s partnership and thoughtful consideration,” Elmore said.
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