OSWEGO – Play ball!
That’s the recommendation from the Administrative Services Committee on Monday night.
Committee members OK’d City Attorney Kevin Caraccioli’s request to enter into a sports management contract with Champions Events in Syracuse for the operation and management of the Legends Fields commencing with the 2018 softball season.
The company proposes to refurbish the sports diamonds as well as repair the buildings at the complex.
Moreover, they will organize softball leagues and provide a facility manager to oversee daily operations.
“They want to help get softball up and running again in the city of Oswego,” Caraccioli said.
At one time, Oswego truly was on the national map for softball, he told the councilors, adding, “It’s gone by the wayside over the past several years.”
They have had discussions with the local softball organizations and received their endorsements, he said.
Champions Events is seeking a three-year deal at a total cost of $20,000
Council President Robert Corradino pointed out that even after payment, there would still be approximately $8,000 left in the city’s dedicated softball account.
There is a maximum annual allocation of $10,000 to defray the cost of lighting the fields; after which, the cost will be incurred by Champions.
Time is of the essence as the softball season is fast approaching, the city attorney pointed out.
Justin Arsenault, of Champions, said the company has been around for about six years.
“The reason a Syracuse company is in Oswego today is because one of our staff members showed us a post about softball in Oswego and your facility,” he said. “What we noticed was the passion. We saw what the passion was like and said, ‘My gosh, all they need is a little bit of help.’ We can provide that. We’re excited to be here. We’re excited to help.”
The full council will consider the proposal at its next meeting.
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According to the report on another site the initial repairs to the fields and facilities would be borne by the city and was to come from the so called “softball fund”, not the contractor. Which is it?
The fund will pay for the contract
Champions Events will bring Oswego softball back to life. Legend’s is a beautiful softball complex and this is just what it needs. Champions Events host softball tournaments for all ages. This will bring teams from all over the state and beyond that will also boost the local economy. It will be great to see the fields full of players on weekends and during the week. This is a win-win for all!!! Keep Oswego softball and Legend’s alive!!!
They have run national qualifier tournaments at the Carrier fields which draws teams from all over.It would be a good deal for local businesses