Venue Detail
Bowling Green Hot Rods
Revenues From Sports Venues Pro Facilities Report
February, 2012
Bowling Green Hot Rods
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814 State St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 Phone: 270-901-2121 Fax: 270-901-2165 URL: www.bghotrods.com Owner: Art Solomon and other investors League: Midwest League, Eastern
Venue
Bowling Green Ballpark, 300 8th Ave., Bowling Green, KY Managed by: Team Built: 2009 Capacity: 5,229 Permanent concession stands: 5 Concessionaire: Centerplate Soft drink: Coca Cola
Ticket prices
Season tickets range from $650 to $650 Single tickets range from $5.00 to $10.00 2010 average attendance: 3,513 2011 average attendance: 3,538
Suites
Quantity: 10 Term: 5 to 10 years Price: $25,000 to $25,000 Seats: 18 to 18
Club seats
Quantity: 177 Term: 5 to 5 years Price: $595 to $1,200
Financing
The ballpark is part of a larger development project in the city’s downtown. The basis of the financing plan was a tax increment financing district which allows future increases in tax revenues from the 100-acre area to repay project bonds. The nonprofit corporation charged with managing the redevelopment plans is anticipated to keep $226 million in state tax money in Bowling Green by using it to pay the bonds.
Eighty-seven percent of the future tax revenue contributions would come from the state, with the city promising 12 percent and Warren County chipping in 1 percent. He said the plan involves a total of $115 million public investment to be matched by $136 million in private funds.
The new ballpark is a major feature of the redevelopment efforts along the gateway to Western Kentucky University.
The development covers roughly seven central downtown blocks. The ballpark is on the northeast end of the district. The other end covers several projects on and next to Western's campus. The total district covers about 44 acres, excluding public buildings.
Within that area, there are plans for $251 million in development, he said. Of that, $115 million would be public projects, including the ballpark, an 800-space parking garage, Circus Square Park and the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, renovation of Van Meter Auditorium and construction of two parking lots for Western.
Another $136 million in private development includes offices, commercial space, restaurants, hotels and homes. (BaseballMinor, Facilities, Financial, Professional Sports)