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House Small Business subcommittee hears how minor league baseball boosts local economies
Summary
Witnesses at a House Small Business subcommittee hearing told lawmakers that minor league baseball teams act as local economic anchors by creating affordable entertainment, jobs and business opportunities, and by supporting downtown development through public-private partnerships and stadium-led projects.
At a hearing of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development, industry executives and team owners described how minor league baseball teams generate economic activity for small and mid-sized communities across the country.
Pat Battle, executive chairman of Diamond Baseball Holdings, told the panel that minor league teams are “in the memory making business” and stressed affordability as a defining feature: “Minor League Baseball exemplifies the best in America,” and the average ticket price is still under $15, he said. He added that stadiums often host concerts, graduations and other nonbaseball events that extend their value to communities year‑round.
The hearing focused on three recurring themes: how teams support local small businesses through sponsorships, vending and vendor contracts; how ballparks can anchor downtown redevelopment; and the operational and financing challenges…
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