SPORTS
as the Marlins and Cardinals do now in Jupiter.
The St. Lucie County commissioners would
like to double the $28 million impact on the local
economy by adding another team. While the land
is readily available, the commissioners would
have to address financing the additional facilities
another team would require.
Tradition Field, with 7,000 seats, features six
concessions with a wide variety of food for a
baseball stadium, two bars, souvenir shops inside
and out, and a grassy outfield berm as the cheap
seats. The concessions are operated by the Mets,
but manned by volunteers from organizations
that receive a percentage of revenue and tips.
When spring training begins, fans can come
out and watch the players practice, starting at 9
a.m. Catchers and pitchers will report Sat., Feb.
15 with the rest of the team expected on Thurs.,
Feb. 20.
There will be several giveaway promotions with
dates yet to be determined and a game to coincide
with a blood drive. Tickets are on sale — at
the same prices as last year — at the stadium and
online. Fourteen local people have been chosen
to sing the Star Spangled Banner to open the 14
home games.
While there are four more years on the Mets
contract with St. Lucie County, the Mets say they
have no plans to move. “We’re very happy here,”
said Taglieri. “Our intentions are to be here for
years to come.”E
Shortstop Brian Bixler turns an easy
double play as second baseman Omar
Quintanilla moves over to back him up.
18 PortStLucieMagazine.com
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