HARTFORD -- "If the stadium is not done, baseball will not come to Hartford."
That was the message Thursday morning from Eastern League President Joe McEacharn regarding the Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club. He spoke at a press conference outside the unfinished stadium.
Hartford Stadium Authority Chairman I. Charles Mathews and Yard Goats owner Josh Solomon spoke out Thursday as well. The parties agreed that the situation is "unacceptable" and they are doing everything in their power to play in Hartford in 2017. They said they are working with the city to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
"We are committed to being here, we appreciate your support," said Solomon.
"We are fully committed to get this stadium done. In fact, we have no more time," Mathews said.
McEacharn, Solomon, and Mathews all reiterated that any additional costs would be absorbed by Arch Insurance, the insurance company responsible for backing the project.
Earlier this week, the Yard Goats announced their schedule for the 2017 season. If all goes according to plan, the Yard Goats plan to play their first home game at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford on Thursday, April 13 at 7:05 p.m. against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
But, there is still a fair amount of construction that needs to be completed at the new home of the Yard Goats.
According to two reports obtained by FOX 61, the city of Hartford and the baseball team have found nearly 200 tasks still need to be accomplished at Dunkin’ Donuts Park.
The Yard Goats have threatened to leave Hartford if the stadium is not completed by December 31.
