The TC Palm reports the Port St. Lucie Council unanimously approved a $55 million renovation for First Data Field. First Data Field, formerly Tradition Field, is the home of the Single-A St. Lucie Mets, and it also serves as the Spring Training home for the New York Mets.

After the approval was announced, St. Lucie Mayor Greg Oravec said to team representatives, “We love our Mets, whether they’re from New York or Port St. Lucie. You’re such a big part of this community. It’s great to see a good thing can be even better.”

A January MMN post discussed the proposed upgrades to the park which include a 360-degree view of the action as well as improvements to the clubhouse and other fan amenities. Even with the team drawing record crowds beginning with Tim Tebow‘s promotion, there are no plans in place to provide additional seating.

The work on the stadium will begin after the Mets complete Spring Training, the first for new manager Mickey Callaway. Most of the work will be completed by the time the Mets report to Spring Training in 2019.

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The New York Mets spring training facility and the home to their Class-A affiliate the St. Lucie Mets has changed it’s name to First Data Field. The complex formerly known as Tradition Field, also serves as the home for the GCL Mets of the Gulf Coast League.

A new 10-year deal with First Data was announced by the Mets. First Data is a global payment technologies solutions company from Atlanta, Georgia.

“It is an exciting time for our organization to have a world-wide leader in their field such as First Data to be our new naming rights partner,” said Mets COO Jeff Wilpon.

“First Data is going to be a terrific partner of ours for years to come and we are thrilled to have their name on our stadium.  All parties look forward to providing a great environment for Mets fans and the community.”

“We are proud to expand our partnership with the Mets, a world-class organization committed to winning on the diamond and providing an outstanding fan experience in the stands, whether at Citi Field or at First Data Field,” said Frank Bisignano, First Data Chairman and CEO.

“While we root for the Mets under the Florida sun, our payments technology will help to power commerce for the Mets and their legion of fans.”

First Data is one of the world’s leading commerce technology companies, powering more than two trillion dollars in payment transactions for six million business locations and 4,000 financial institutions around the world.

Last season, First Data sponsored the “Veteran of the Game” at each Mets home game. As part of that program, a Mets player presented the selected veteran with an American flag that had flown over Citi Field.

First Data Field seats 7,000 fans. It was built in 1988 when the Mets moved their spring training operation to Port St. Lucie. The stadium was named Thomas J. White Stadium up until 2004 when Tradition acquired the naming rights for its first time. Tradition reacquired the naming rights in 2013.

First Data Field will host 18 spring training games in 2017. Opening Day is February 25th vs. the Washington Nationals.

(Photo Credit: Wayne Randazzo, Jim F.)

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The New York Mets and St. Lucie County have agreed to a new Facilities Use Agreement for Tradition Field. The agreement is for a term of 25 years and will include $55 million dollars in new improvements and renovations paid for by county issued bonds.

The Mets’ rent calls for 50 percent of all stadium revenue from Spring Training Games and Florida State League Games up to $2 million dollars from years one through ten.

The following is the proposed improvements to Tradition Field that the St Lucie County government put forth in their meeting this morning.

Training Facilities

1. New full-size practice field with artificial turf
2. New specialty training fields
3. Upgraded batting cages
4. Upgraded Minor League clubhouse facilities

Stadium Renovation

1. Expanded Main Concourse with outfield walkway (360 degree connection)
2. New Main Concourse concession stands and restrooms
3. Renovated Home and Visiting Team clubhouses
4. Expanded and upgraded vertical circulations
5. Renovated support facilities including commissary, ticketing offices, and team store

Additional Upgrades

1. Renovated fan and player walkways throughout the Complex
2. Improvements to landscaping, wayfinding signage, and graphics
3. Mets player academy facilities consisting of dormitories, a cafeteria and an auditorium

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St. Lucie County Commissioners unanimously approved a new Facilities Use Agreement (FUA) with the New York Mets to provide $55 million in renovations to Tradition Field and keep professional baseball in Port St. Lucie for another 25 years.

Furthermore the new agreement provides a substantial increase, roughly $400,000 a year, in promotional efforts by the New York Mets to promote St. Lucie County as a tourist destination within the critical New York market.

Under the terms of the new agreement, St. Lucie County will be seeking a $60 million bond, which includes $55 million for new construction and renovations to Tradition Field – the spring training home of the New York Mets and the summer home of the Florida State League St. Lucie Mets.  Over the 25-year time frame of the agreement, St. Lucie County will pay 53 percent; the Mets will be pay 35 percent and the State of Florida will pay 12 percent. This agreement and construction project is contingent on the State of Florida providing a $20 million grant over the next 20 years.  The county’s contributions toward the construction will be paid for with portions of the 5-cent hotel tax, which is generated from hotel, RV site and/or condo stays within St. Lucie County for less than six months.

“We are excited about the modernization of the facility which will significantly improve the fan experience,” said New York Mets COO Jeff Wilpon. “St. Lucie County will remain a destination for hundreds of thousands of Mets fans for years to come.”

“St. Lucie County has had an excellent working relationship with the Mets since they agreed to come to Port St. Lucie in 1988. And this new agreement only strengthens that partnership to keep them here another 25 years, but also provides some additional exposure for our county to our No. 1 tourism market,” added St. Lucie County Administrator Howard Tipton.

St. Lucie County staff will now begin the process to apply for the $20 million in state funding and move forward on hiring a project manager and architect to oversee the $55 million in renovations to Tradition Field. Proposed improvements to Tradition Field include a new entrance; a walkway connector around the outfield; a new practice field; a players’ academy for the Mets; a Little League/softball complex for public tournaments; new major league and minor league clubhouses, offices and locker rooms. Construction could begin as early as the spring of 2017.

Owned and operated by St. Lucie County’s Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department, Tradition Field is located at 525 NW Peacock Blvd., Port St. Lucie. Originally built as Thomas J. White Stadium, the complex has been the spring training home of the New York Mets and summer home of the Florida State League St. Lucie Mets since it opened in 1988. In addition to hosting professional baseball games, the complex can hold more than 7,000 people and has been used for numerous community events, festivals and fundraisers.

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The Mets (7-15) were defeated by the Miami Marlins (10-12) by a score of 1-0 this afternoon at Tradition Field.

Pitching:

Sean Gilmartin got the start today in place of Matt Harvey, and allowed one run on three hits, while striking three in three innings pitched.

Jim Henderson continued his strong showing this spring, firing a scoreless inning in relief of Gilmartin in the fourth

Logan Verrett then followed up with 3.2 scoreless innings himself, striking out three in the process and allowing only two hits.

Jerry Blevins and Addison Reed finished off the game for the Mets, keeping the Marlins off the board the rest of the way.

Offense:

The Mets offense was pretty silent for the most part today, as they could muster up only two hits, one from Yoenis Cespedes, and the other from Juan Lagares.

The final 19 batters were set down by Marlins pitching, and the Mets are now winless in their last dozen games.

On deck:

The Mets take on the Washington Nationals tomorrow at 12:10 PM at Tradition Field. The Mets starter is TBA, and Max Scherzer gets the ball for the Nats.

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The Mets failed to win for the 11th straight game dating back to March 17th but did avoid their fourth straight tie.

Bartolo Colon made his final start of the spring, limiting the Cardinals to three runs over 6 solid innings. He threw 92 pitches, striking out five, allowing seven hits, and walked nobody.

The Mets got a 1-2-3 7th inning from Erik Goeddel who got Ruben Tejada to fly out to start the inning and also struck out Brandon Moss swinging. The curveball from Goeddel looked very good today as he works his way back from injury.

Antonio Bastardo started the 8th inning, he was pulled after recording two outs and left with runners on first and second. He allowed a walk and single. Hansel Robles came in and got the only batter he faced to fly out to center field, stranding both baserunners.

The Mets scored their first run of the game in the second inning on a RBI groundout by Alejandro De Aza that scored Neil Walker who had doubled to start the frame. Curtis Granderson went 1 for 3 with his fourth double, he is now hitting .317 this spring.

Eric Campbell came up with the bases loaded and two outs in the 8th inning with a chance to put the Mets ahead but grounded out to Tejada to end the threat.

The Mets offense mustered only six hits on the day with singles coming from Juan Lagares, Yoenis Cespedes, Wilmer Flores, and Johnny Monell who are all batting over .300 this spring.

Tomorrow the Mets host the Marlins at Tradition Field but Terry Collins announced after the game that it will not be Matt Harvey who was originally scheduled to start. They are calling it a non-disclosed issue right now and his status for Opening Day is up in the air.

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The New York Mets (7-13-2) will host the St. Louis Cardinals this afternoon at Tradition Field and try to snap their seven game losing streak. RHP Noah Syndergaard gets the start for the Mets and will go up against RHP Michael Wacha for the Cards in a 1:10 PM matchup.

Ruben Tejada will be manning shortstop for the Cards while Wilmer Flores gets some time at first base. Here are the today’s lineups:

New York Mets

1. Alejandro De Aza, LF
2. David Wright, 3B
3. Curtis Granderson, RF
4. Neil Walker, 2B
5. Wilmer Flores, 1B
6. Kevin Plawecki, C
7. Juan Lagares, CF
8. Matt Reynolds, SS
9. Noah Syndergaard, RHP

St. Louis Cardinals

1. Matt Carpenter. 3B
2. Stephen Piscotty, RF
3. Matt Holliday, LF
4. Randal Grichuk, CF
5. Matt Adams, 1B
6. Yadier Molina, C
7. Jedd Gyorko, 2B
8. Ruben Tejada, SS
9. Michael Wacha, RHP

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Soon to be father Jacob deGrom takes the mound at Tradition Field this afternoon as the New York Mets host the Miami Marlins on Monday at 1:10 PM (SNY). Right-hander Jarred Cosart gets the start for the Marlins.

Note: Relievers Josh Edgin and Erik Goeddel both pitched in an intra-squad game on Sunday, marking the first time in spring training that they faced live batters.

New York Mets

1. Curtis Granderson, DH
2. David Wright, 3B
3. Michael Conforto, LF
4. Wilmer Flores, SS
5. Alejandro De Aza, CF
6. Eric Campbell, 1B
7. Roger Bernadina, RF
8. Kevin Plawecki, C
9. Ty Kelly, 2B

Miami Marlins

1. Dee Gordon, 2B
2. Marcell Ozuna, CF
3. Christian Yelich, LF
4. Justin Bour, 1B
5. J.T. Realmuto, C
6. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
7. Chris Johnson, 3B
8. Adeiny Hechavarria, SS
9. Jarred Cosart, RHP

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The New York Mets will host the Boston Red Sox this afternoon at Tradition Field. Due to potential thunderstorms, LHP David Price who was due to pitch against today’s Mets starter Noah Syndergaard, will be replaced by RHP Heath Hembree in the 1:10 PM contest.

New York Mets

Curtis Granderson – RF
David Wright – 3B
Yoenis Cespedes – CF
Lucas Duda – 1B
Neil Walker – 2B
Wilmer Flores – DH
Travis d’Arnaud – C
Juan Lagares – LF
Matt Reynolds – SS

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The New York Mets and New York Yankees played to a 4-4 tie in a ten-inning game at Tradition Field on Wednesday afternoon.

The Amazins headed into the ninth inning up 4-2, but left-handed reliever Antonio Bastardo coughed up a pair of bombs to the Yankees to even the score and hand Bastardo a blown save.

Jacob deGrom got the start for the Mets and he held the Yankees to one run on five hits, walked none and fanned three in his three innings of work. Stolmy Pimentel and Jim Henderson each pitched a scoreless frame out of the pen.

Curtis Granderson had no problems seeing the ball as he collected a pair of singles in his first game of the spring. Joining him with two hits was Yoenis Cespedes, who drove in a run as well. It was T.J. Rivera who got the Mets on the board with a two-run double. He now has four RBIs this spring.

Noah Syndergaard takes his turn on Thursday to make his Spring Training debut. He’ll go up against the left-hander Jaime Garcia and the Cardinals in a 1:10 PM game at Tradition Field.

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