While MLB has yet to announce where it will expand next, the Portland Diamond Project (PDP) is positioning the city as a prime candidate with a newly designed, MLB-ready stadium along the Willamette River.
The latest stadium renderings, created by leading sports architecture firm Populous, were unveiled this week when PDP founder and CEO Craig Cheek met with a Portland government committee.
ABOVE: A view of the proposed baseball stadium in Portland
If awarded a team, the group says construction could begin as soon as 2027.
ABOVE: The baseball stadium in Portland would create a new retail district
“We believe this is an iconic site,” Cheek said. “Among the current 30 MLB stadiums, there may not be a better backdrop.” The vision for the stadium extends beyond baseball, aiming to revitalize downtown with a surrounding district of restaurants, shops, public spaces, and residential developments.
Zidell Yards, a 30.85-acre site in the South Waterfront, is one of the last large redevelopment opportunities in the city. Jay Zidell, whose family owns the property, supports the project, saying a ballpark would create a “vibrant district” for the community.
ABOVE: The South Waterfront in downtown Portland with a proposed baseball stadiumAlthough Portland is a strong contender, it faces competition from cities like Austin, Charlotte, Montreal, Nashville, and Salt Lake City. With MLB expected to add two new teams in the next five years, Portland’s detailed stadium plan could give it an advantage when the league makes its decision.
Images courtesy of the Portland Diamond Project
