On October 30, Andrew Hoan, President & CEO of the Portland Metro Chamber, addressed the Portland City Council, highlighting the significant economic, cultural, and social benefits that a Major League Baseball (MLB) team would bring to the Portland region. He emphasized the Chamber’s commitment to promoting Portland as a vibrant destination for sports and recreation and proudly stands in full support of Resolution 949, which advocates for the Portland Diamond Project’s efforts to bring a MLB team to Portland and to construct a new stadium in the South Waterfront neighborhood at Zidell Yards.
“We believe that this project is vital for the growth and development of our city,” Andrew Hoan stated. “The economic impact of an MLB team would extend far beyond the stadium, creating new jobs, community spaces, and generating tax revenue that benefits the entire metro area.”
Hoan referenced the Chamber’s “Oregon: The State of Sport” report, which revealed that Oregon’s sports economy generates an impressive $29 billion in economic activity across the state, with Portland leading the way. The sports sector accounts for approximately 45,000 jobs in the greater Portland area, over half of which are family-wage positions, with a substantial portion linked to major sporting events. The establishment of a future MLB stadium would further solidify Portland’s status as a hub for sports and recreation, enhancing civic pride and providing economic opportunities for local businesses and residents alike.
“As we look to the future, now is the time for bold investments in Portland’s development,” Hoan continued. “A centrally located ballpark can transform our urban landscape into a dynamic sports and entertainment destination, benefiting everyone in our community.”
He also pointed out how pairing a new stadium with the revitalization happening across the river at the OMSI district, would create a waterfront that becomes a public space filled with major cultural attractions along the Willamette River.
The Chamber urged the City Council to demonstrate unified support for Resolution 949, showing Major League Baseball that Portland is ready to embrace this exciting opportunity, paving the way for a brighter future for sports and community engagement in Portland.
Following that City Council session, the Portland City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 949, expressing the city’s support for the Portland Diamond Project’s initiative to attract Major League Baseball and develop a new ballpark at Zidell Yards in the South Waterfront District.