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Board hears update on Craft Sports & Entertainment lawsuit over stadium license and lease terms
Summary
Town officials said Craft Sports & Entertainment filed suit over the town’s FY26 license renewal, arguing the town’s proposed cost allocations go beyond event‑day costs; the board said the lease includes long extension options and any substantive change likely would require town meeting approval and outside consultant review.
Select Board members on June 23 received an update that Craft Sports & Entertainment has filed suit challenging the town’s position in the FY26 license renewal negotiations.
Chair described the dispute: Craft objects to the town’s attempt to require payment for costs beyond immediate event‑day expenses. Craft has submitted alternative proposals that, in the town’s view, would transfer substantial stadium‑related costs (police details, insurance and other ongoing obligations) to the town. The board said it cannot adopt a position without understanding long‑term fiscal impacts and noted the original lease began about 32 years ago and includes multiple extension options (including 5‑ and 10‑year options) that could extend occupancy for decades.
Town legal counsel and staff advised that any substantive lease modification would likely need to return to town meeting for approval because the lease was approved by both the Board of Selectmen and town meeting originally. The board said it would consider hiring outside consultants with stadium and lease expertise to evaluate long‑term financial implications; officials cautioned the process could take months and possibly extend into the next year.
The update was informational; the board did not negotiate terms in public and did not take action at the meeting.
