MiLB HB897 Sports and Entertainment Facilities and Events

Minor League Baseball (MiLB) HB 897 (2022) functions like a grant through the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), as it authorizes MSA to issue up to $200 million to fund the development and /or renovations of sports entertainment facilities across the state including minor league ballparks where renovations will be necessary in order to maintain affiliations with major league teams and continue to play in our state. Proceeds allocated from the Maryland state lottery, up to $25 million annually, will be used to pay debt service on the bonds issued to finance the various projects.

As of August 2023, the following municipalities have memorandums of agreement with the MSA to provide preliminary design, technical and financial assistance as needed through the MiLB 897 program to address improvements required to ensure that the following minor league ballparks and teams meet the recently adopted Professional Development League (PDL) standards.

• Wicomico County -   Preliminary Design Services - Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, Wicomico, MD - Home of the Delmarva Shorebirds
• Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission - Preliminary Design Services - Prince George’s Stadium, Bowie, MD - Home of the Chesapeake Baysox (formely Bowie Baysox)
• City of Frederick -  Preliminary Design Services - Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, Frederick, MD - Home of the Frederick Keys and tentatively the Spire City Ghost Hounds
• Charles County Commissioners - Preliminary Design Services Regency Furniture Stadium - Waldorf, MD - Home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
• City of Aberdeen - Preliminary Design Services Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium - Aberdeen, MD - Home of the Aberdeen Ironbirds

Of note, this new fund also may be utilized by other sports entertainment venues such as equestrian centers, multi-use sports complexes, venues for youth and amateur sports tournaments. Recreational facilities are eligible for funding if an economic and feasibility study demonstrates positive economic impact to the state of Maryland.