How much did it cost to build the Olmstead Stadium?
When was it built?
Who paid for it?
What would it cost to expand parking there, and widen the access road?
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: How much will the stadium cost?
A: A budget summary included in a February 2008 feasibility study by Rosser International, Inc., says the stadium will cost $31.8 million, or $38.9 million including infrastructure improvements and retail components. That price does not include a parking deck, office building, hotel, condos or apartments, which are listed as being paid for by the private sector.
Q: Who will pay for the stadium?
A: Funding is being pitched as a public-private partnership, but the exact ratio hasn't been determined. Mayor Deke Copenhaver says his goal is for "the city to have as little exposure as possible." Documents submitted to the State Properties Commission say private dollars would go toward "ancillary developments" and "on-going maintenance of the facilities."
Q: Why do we need a new stadium?
A: Cities building downtown stadiums has been a trend since the 1990s, with several midsized cities crediting them for rejuvenating their central business districts. Ripken Baseball says Lake Olmstead Stadium is outdated, with inadequate parking and being accessible by only a two-lane road.
Q: What will happen to Lake Olmstead Stadium?
A: It could be used by Augusta State University and Paine College. The GreenJackets could continue using it for practice.
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