SF Giants minor league affiliate faces massive stadium funding shortfall

The future of the SF Giants High-A affiliate, Eugene Emeralds, remains up in the air as the team tries to address a stadium funding shortfall.

On Monday, Oct. 2, the SF Giants High-A affiliate (Eugene Emeralds) published a press release stating that the team submitted funding options for a new facility to MLB in accordance with its Sept. 30 deadline, with two-thirds of the estimated $90.4m identified. 

Fans watch SF Giants prospects at a Eugene Emeralds game at PK Park. (2023) :: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

The press release said that “the team is cautiously optimistic about closing the financial gap. However, the Emeralds emphasize that time remains a crucial factor in the project's success and are actively engaged in discussions with the MLB and the city of Eugene to secure extensions for completion.”

KEZI reported that the plan outlines the funding that has been identified to build a new ballpark, which is currently set to be at Lane County Fairgrounds.

General Manager Allan Benavides told KEZI that fans had been asking where to donate, but he told them to write to their city council and county commissioners. The broadcast segment noted that Benavides said that “things could look different in 2024, if they could convince local government and corporate sponsors to pitch in, they could be playing in a new park by 2025.”

The Emeralds held a “Save Our Ems” night in August, calling for fan support to keep the team in Eugene. The website saveourems.com has more details about their campaign.

Lane County put the project on pause at the end of August. KLCC reported at the time that the project was at a $43m gap, with it being estimated at $100.5m. The construction at the Lane County Fairgrounds would also include a convention center in addition to a new ballpark.

The Emeralds have been an SF Giants affiliate after the minor league realignment, with their first season as their High-A affiliate in 2021. However, the Emeralds’ future in Eugene is uncertain as the deadline to meet Major League Baseball's facility deadline approaches.