South Bend Cubs investor outlines $32 million investment, says Four Winds Field drives $25 million in annual impact
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Summary
Andrew Berlin told the Common Council that he has invested $32 million in the stadium and surrounding development, reported about 4 million visitors since 2012 and estimated an annual economic return to South Bend of roughly $25 million, and provided an update on stadium renovations due ahead of the April opening.
Andrew Berlin, an investor and owner associated with the South Bend Cubs, told the South Bend Common Council on Feb. 23 that he has personally invested about $32,000,000 in Four Winds Field and nearby development and credited the stadium with helping spur downtown growth.
"We couldn't do it without the partnership of the city," Berlin said while presenting the club's renovation update. He said the organization has attracted about 4,000,000 people to the stadium since 2012 and that an independent Chamber of Commerce study estimates roughly $25,000,000 in annual economic return to the city.
Berlin walked council members through recent and ongoing improvements at Four Winds Field, including a new playing surface that he said cost about $1,000,000 to install, new upper and lower concourses, expanded city suites and an events building in the left-field corner that may open a month or so after opening day. He described the field and suite upgrades as paid for by the club or its investors.
On state policy that helped fund local projects, Berlin said legislation often referenced as SB 326 was crafted so some sales and payroll taxes generated in South Bend remain available to invest locally rather than flowing into Indianapolis; he said the city later secured an amendment increasing the annual capture to $5,000,000 and that stakeholders are pursuing a further increase to $7,500,000.
Council members praised the presentation. Several members said the stadium has stimulated residential and commercial development downtown and called the partnership between the club and city a model for economic revitalization.
Berlin said opening day is scheduled for early April and that construction work — other than a small events building — will be ready for the season. He closed by inviting council and residents to attend games and to use the new city suite.
The council did not take formal action on the presentation; the update was given as informational.
