Portland City Council considers backing Zidell Yards MLB stadium
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Portland may be inching closer towards building a Major League Baseball stadium as City Council considers backing property acquisition plans for a future ballpark.
In a Friday post on X, formerly Twitter, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced that the council will vote on a resolution on Oct. 31 that would require the city to partner with the Portland Diamond Project -- an organization working to bring an MLB team to the city.
“Professional sports are essential for driving economic growth and attracting investment in Portland," Wheeler wrote on X. "I am proud to announce progress on bringing a Major League Baseball team and stadium to Portland.”
The resolution would declare the city's support behind Portland Diamond Project's plans to build a stadium on the South Waterfront's Zidell Yards property.
If passed, the resolution directs the City Administrator to create a work group to ensure Portland is well-positioned to be awarded an MLB team. City staff would also be directed to work with the Portland Diamond Project and the Zidell family's ZRZ Realty to support the acquisition of Zidell Yards.
The resolution notes that the future strength of Portland’s Central City relies, in large part, on robust sports, entertainment, and tourist attractions.
The resolution comes after Portland Diamond Project signed a letter of intent in September, stating their intent to buy the 33-acre Zidell Yards property. After a due diligence period, PDP has 42 months to buy the former shipyard.
PDP Founder and President Craig Cheek previously told KOIN 6 News the potential acquisition of the property is a “dream come true.”
“We’ve spent years talking about a future Major League Baseball team calling Portland home,” Cheek said. “Now we can say Portland will have professional baseball in the heart of the city, along one of Oregon’s most iconic rivers.”