Portland, a city renowned for its lush landscapes and vibrant cultural scene, is setting its sights on the major leagues. Under the leadership of Mayor-Elect Keith Wilson, the city is mounting a serious bid to become home to a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. At the forefront of this ambitious effort is the Portland Diamond Project (PDP), an initiative that has been gaining momentum and visibility since its inception.
Recently, the PDP announced a significant step forward by purchasing property for a potential new stadium at Zidell Yards on the South Waterfront, a strategic move that signals the group’s commitment to making Portland a baseball city. The plans for a stadium are not just about building a venue but about crafting a transformative space that could redefine the area. As Craig Cheek of the PDP noted, "With the trends that we're seeing, like with the Battery in Atlanta, these ballparks can truly be transformational for a bigger idea than just baseball."
Portland has been in the conversation for a Major League franchise since at least 2019, but it seems their efforts are now reaching a critical juncture. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated that the league intends to expand by 2029, a development that offers Portland a window of opportunity to make its case. This expansion bid represents Portland's most serious effort yet to join the ranks of MLB cities. "I'd say this is as close as we've come. We feel confident it's down to us and one other city. And we're making a solid play," said Keith Wilson, underscoring the city’s determination.
A Competitive Landscape
Portland's competition in the expansion race is fierce. The city will need to prove it can meet – and exceed – the rigorous demands associated with hosting a Major League team. This includes infrastructure, fan base potential, and economic impact projections. With the relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas, the shifting landscape offers both challenges and opportunities for cities like Portland seeking their shot at making the major leagues.
The last time MLB expanded was in 1998, when it welcomed the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Tampa Bay Rays. Since then, baseball’s landscape and economic considerations have evolved significantly. Portland is not just looking to join the league but to redefine what it means to be home to a major sports team, connecting the sport with community growth and development.
Building More Than a Stadium
The concept of a baseball park as a catalyst for broader urban development is not new but has gained traction in recent years. The success of modern stadiums that form part of mixed-use developments, like the Battery Atlanta, highlights how sports venues can drive economic development, create jobs, and revitalize neighborhoods. Portland's Zidell Yards, with its central location and potential for mixed-use development, is poised to become a model of such a transformation.
Beyond the economic and urban development implications, having an MLB team in Portland would add a new dimension to the city’s sports culture. Known for its passionate fan base supporting the NBA’s Trail Blazers and MLS’s Timbers, Portland is no stranger to sporting enthusiasm. A baseball team would likely receive a warm welcome from this sports-loving community eager for summer thrills on the diamond.
As preparations advance, the Portland Diamond Project continues to rally support from local leaders, businesses, and sports fans, all eager to see the city emerge as an exciting contender in the major leagues. While challenges persist, the groundwork laid by PDP and the strategic push by Mayor-Elect Wilson could very well place Portland on the MLB map, ushering in a new era of sports and development to the Pacific Northwest.