Approved funding amount set for construction of Major League Baseball stadium in Portland: $800 million
Updated 18th June 2025 - The Portland Baseball Dream is closer to becoming a reality after Oregon lawmakers approved a massive funding bill. Senate Bill 110, which grants $800 million in public bonds for the construction of a Major League Baseball (MLB) stadium in Portland, sailed through with a strong bipartisan vote. All that remains is Governor Tina Kotek's signature.
This funding will tap into income taxes collected on the salaries of players, coaches, and staff, a strategy designed to fuel the economic activity generated by the team. Craig Cheek, President of the Portland Diamond Project, excitedly declared, "This ain't just about secure funds — it's a clear statement that Oregon is ripe for Major League Baseball!"
If all goes to plan, Portland will join the ranks of West Coast cities boasting an MLB franchise, further cementing the city's status as a major sports hub. The location and layout of the stadium are still up in the air but the approval of SB 110 marks a significant stride in Portland's long-delayed bid to attract a team.
March 4 2025 - A new day dawned for Portland's Baseball Dream, as the Portland Diamond Project (PDP) revealed stunning new renderings of the proposed stadium. The proposed 32,000-seater structure, sports a cleverly-designed retractable roof made of translucent material, ensuring it remains a year-round attraction.
Nestled between the Ross Island Bridge and Tilikum Crossing on the South Waterfront, the stadium's layout brings together wood, glass, and technology, promising to become a magnificent addition to the city's skyline. The work of renowned architect Jeff Yrazabal of Populous, this stadium is shaping up to be a groundbreaking masterpiece, with roots in Oregon's sustainable materials and cutting-edge design.
This latest development marks a significant step forward for PDP's ongoing project, which first kicked off in 2017. The city council threw their unwavering support behind the project in October, citing the Zidell Yards area as the ideal location for the stadium. The purchase sale agreement was finalized by February.
While city officials are coordinating efforts to submit a solid bid to Major League Baseball, they're up against some tough competition, with cities such as Salt Lake City also vying for an MLB team. However, the funding plan for the stadium remains unclear, with Craig Cheek emphasizing that the majority of the funding will be sourced from private investors. The identity of the potential team owner remains a mystery for now.
Read also: New York City's First-Ever Professional Soccer-Specific Stadium Takes Shape, Etihad Park
Fresh renderings of Portland's proposed MLB stadium unveiled
Cheek recently pulled back the curtain on the never-seen-before drawings, to stun state lawmakers and re-ignite Portland's baseball spirit.
Here's a glimpse into the architectural marvel that could soon call Portland home:
- Site: Zidell Yards on Portland's waterfront, between Tillikum Crossing and Ross Island Bridge
- Seating capacity: 32,000 seats
- Design features: A retractable roof made of translucent material, glass, and wood elements, making it a year-round community asset
- Architect: Jeff Yrazabal of Populous, the same company behind the Reser Stadium renovation, Hayward Field redesign, and the Hillsboro Hops stadium currently under construction
PDP's tenacious pursuit of an MLB team for Portland still has a ways to go—with key details such as ownership and funding yet to be unveiled. City officials are working closely with PDP to put together a solid bid for Major League Baseball. Stay tuned for further developments!
[1] General legislative funding details (Oregon State Senate) https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB110[2] specifically related to funding, location, and design details (The Oregonian) https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2023/03/portland-diamond-project-plans-154-million-stadium-with-rock-climbing-wall-and-beer-hallenstein.html
The unveiling of fresh renderings for the proposed MLB stadium in Portland's Zidell Yards has rekindled the city's baseball spirit, as the project attempts to secure $800 million in funding and attract an MLB team. If successful, the 32,000-seater stadium—designed by Jeff Yrazabal of Populous—will feature a retractable roof, glass, wood elements, and be a year-round community asset. The city's efforts to submit a solid bid to Major League Baseball are ongoing, with the funding plan primarily sourced from private investors.
