MEDFORD, Ore. (Feb. 26, 2026)— The Medford City Council recently discussed a proposed minor league baseball stadium in the broader $500 million downtown mixed-use redevelopment known as the Creekside Quarter. The ballpark stadium project, estimated to cost between $86 million and $115 million, would likely depend on future urban renewal revenues and local tax increases.
No formal vote was taken during the study session at City Hall. Study sessions are intended for discussion and direction only.
Project background
City officials were first approached in 2024 by the ownership group of the Eugene Emeralds about relocating the team to Medford. In April 2025, councilors signaled support for further exploration, citing the potential for a stadium to anchor downtown revitalization.
Since then, negotiations have evolved into a two-part concept known as Creekside Quarter, pairing a proposed stadium at Hawthorne Park with a privately led west-side development that has included plans for a conference center, housing and commercial space.
City staff said the projects remain indirectly connected, as new development could generate tax increment financing under a proposed “MURA 2.0” urban renewal district, helping fund stadium construction.
Cost estimates and bond scenarios
Councilors reviewed three primary construction estimates based on conceptual designs:
$86 million — An average of estimates from two local contractors.
$100 million — Reflecting the current budget for a comparable minor league stadium in Everett, Washington.
$115 million — An estimate from Rider Levett Bucknall.
All figures exclude certain elements such as parking and a “pit set” field configuration and carry an estimated accuracy range of plus or minus 30% until further engineering and design work is completed.
Depending on the scenario, the city would need to issue between $60 million and $80 million in bonds. Over 30 years, total debt repayment could range from approximately $117 million to more than $156 million, according to projections presented to council.
Proposed repayment sources include tax increment financing from MURA 2.0, a 2% increase in the car rental tax, increases to the park utility fee ranging from $1 to $2, lease payments from the team, naming rights revenue, a reallocation of certain system development charges and contributions from the team, the state or other outside entities. Additional unidentified revenue sources would be required in early years to ensure adequate bond coverage.
Potential benefits
A 2025 economic and social impact study cited potential construction benefits of hundreds of jobs and tens of millions of dollars in labor income and economic output. Ongoing stadium operations — including baseball games, concerts and community events — were projected to support nearly 400 jobs annually and generate more than $30 million in economic output each year.
The study also pointed to examples in other cities where new minor league ballparks spurred private investment and downtown redevelopment. City officials noted that roughly 15% of Emeralds attendees are tourists, suggesting potential visitor spending in Medford if attendance levels are similar.
Risks and policy questions
Staff also outlined several risks.
Minor League Baseball is not willing to guarantee a franchise will remain in Medford beyond 2030 or 2040, meaning the city would still be responsible for debt payments if the team were to leave.
Construction costs could rise significantly, as seen in Everett, where a similar project has experienced major increases since initial approval. The proposed April 2029 opening date would require an accelerated design and construction timeline.
Councilors were also asked to consider whether committing 30% to 50% of future MURA 2.0 revenues to a single project is sound policy, given competing urban renewal priorities and potential impacts on overlapping taxing districts.
Next steps
City staff requested direction on several issues, including:
Whether to dedicate a significant share of future MURA 2.0 revenues to the stadium. Whether to increase the car rental tax, park utility fees or other local funding sources. What minimum financial contribution should be required from the team or other partners. Whether to authorize $500,000 to $1 million in additional engineering and due diligence work using existing urban renewal funds. Whether to begin a formal solicitation process for a proposed conference center component.
Council members are expected to revisit the issue as negotiations continue and additional financial analysis is completed.
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