The Triple-A Jumbo Shrimp are making a long-term commitment to Jacksonville.The Jumbo Shrimp announced a 10-year lease extension agreement with the city to keep the Minor League baseball team at 121 Financial Ballpark through at least March 2043.
City Council still has to sign off on the lease agreement.
The Jumbo Shrimp, the team that was previously named the Suns, have been at what was originally named the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, since it first opened in 2003.
“We are thrilled to cement this lease extension to keep the Jumbo Shrimp at 121 Financial Ballpark,” said Jumbo Shrimp owner/CEO Ken Babby in an email sent to WJCT News. “We want to thank the City of Jacksonville and ASM Global for continuing this wonderful partnership. 121 Financial Ballpark has been a staple of the affordable family fun experience for fans of Crustacean Nation, and we look forward to it continuing to do so for many years in the future.”
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry also expressed his enthusiasm for the Jumbo Shrimp and the lease extension in a statement.
“This year, in their first season as a AAA team, that vibrancy will be bigger and more exciting than ever. With this lease agreement, we can look forward to many more years of baseball in Jacksonville. I encourage my colleagues on City Council to support this legislation,” he said.
The Jumbo Shrimp started their first season as the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. Previously they were a Marlins' Double-A affiliate.
This weekend the Shrimp, who are 3-0 so far this season, take on the Northfolk Tides at 121 Financial Ballpark.
