Mets Spring Training Stadium Needs Millions In Repairs, Report Says
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York Mets spring training stadium in Florida reportedly needs millions in repairs.
Treasure Coast Newspapers reported Tradition Field in St. Lucie County needs $2.8 million in work. County documents obtained by the newspaper reveal the stadium has cracked seats, an unsafe batting tunnel, a leaky roof and missing bleacher railings.
St. Lucie County Administrator Howard Tipton said the 7,160-seat stadium is safe for players and fans, and meets stadium requirements set by Major League Baseball.
"The repairs don't mean the equipment doesn't work or conditions are unsafe," Tipton told Treasure Coast Newspapers. "It just means we are aware the repairs needed and are working to complete them."
Paul Taglieri, the Mets executive director of minor league facilities, said this is the first the organization has seen of the 32-page report.
"This is the first we have seen of that report," Taglieri told Treasure Coast Newspapers. "It looks like the county is going through their internal process."
St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky explained the repairs were put off during the economic downturn.
"We have done very well with the limited funds we have," Dzadovsky told the newspaper.
According to Treasure Coast Newspapers, the Mets paid the county $761,130 in 2015, one-quarter of the estimated repair cost.
Ed Matthews, the county's Parks, Recreation and Facilities director, said they use revenue from the Mets for the maintenance at Tradition Field.
"We have an ongoing list of projects, and we do so many projects a year. The facility is almost 30 years old, and there are a lot of things that start to show up at that time. We're scheduling repairs over the next few years," Matthews told the newspaper.
The defending National League champions open spring training on Feb. 17.
