I was in Jackson, TN today and they were talking on the radio about a new facility being built. It sounded like the park would be like the one in Southaven, MS. Will this happen or is it just idle talk when the weather outside is so bad?

cbg,
It appears the talk is serious. The proposal for the baseball complex was presented to the city council for partial funding and the general public should know something by March. This complex sounds to be somewhat similar to the one in Southaven, MS although I have not seen a drawing of the complex that’s being proposed. I see one big obstacle in the pending sale of our AA Diamond Jaxx. The mayor is trying to find funding to purchase that team too. Baseball is getting a lot of press but is also in need of some big $$$. I think it would be great if Jackson had a baseball complex so we could host some great summer tournaments. If I had to pick between the AA team, or the baseball complex, I would have to go for the baseball complex.
Fungo

Fungo,

The host of the radio talk show that I was tuned into was not in favor of the park. Did I understand it correctly that the AA team had serious $$$$$ problems. It sounded like the city was going to try and help the AA team out but they probably would not try to do both. The $$$$ figures being tossed around were 9 million to build the complex and it would only have a return of 200,000 per year. What people fail to understand is the amount of money that will be spent at local hotels, stores, and people eating in the local establishments. The park could be a great little tourist attraction if it is operated properly.

cbg, you have to understand this rural West Tennessee and the majority of the general public doesn't understand the concept of select and travel teams. Most think a travel team is one that travels "way down the road" (20 miles) to play a game. Most don't see a reason for anyone to go to another state to play baseball?? I think we have some marketing issues because I hear many trying to sell this complex as an upscale facility for local teams and aren't even mentioning the economic impact this would have on the community. From my days of following my son here and yonder I can personally testify how much money parents spend at these out of town tournament....But I won't!
Yes, one of our local talk radio host (101.5) is against the complex because of the use of taxpayer money to help fund the project and may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back...
Fungo

Well they need to do their homework and contact Snowden Grove and the city of Southaven, because the return vs. the $$$ spent on AA team in not as great as the return for a 20 field complex that is bringing in 320 teams in the 7-12 age group and 48 teamsin the 13-14 age group and all this does not include the high school competetive teams that come in. The upside to a nice facility is priceless minor league teams are always on the move.