A new three-year lease agreement between St. John’s Sports and Entertainment and the Newfoundland Growlers has been signed, but it appears the ongoing saga is far from over.
Deacon Sports and Entertainment President Glenn Stanford, in a release issued by the city, said they owe it to their fans and partners to continue to operate out of Mile One Centre for the next three seasons.
Shortly after, Deacon Sports and Entertainment issued a short statement of its own stating “While we are focused on the season ahead, we will provide a media availability in the coming weeks to demonstrate our long-term commitment and further investment in professional sports teams and facilities in the region.”
They were not present when councillor Jamie Korab spoke to media this afternoon.
Although there has been no official comment indicating such, it appears Deacon Sports and Entertainment wasn’t exactly thrilled with the new deal—the details of which are yet to be released.
Questions were sparked about the long-term plans for the Growlers in St. John’s. However, owner Dean MacDonald quickly tweeted the assurance, “We are not going anywhere.”
Questions also remain about whether MacDonald plans to build a facility of his own or move to one of the surrounding, and growing municipalities with new stadiums once the three-year deal expires.
As for the St. John’s Edge, signs point to the NBL Canada returning to the region, but possibly not Mile One.
MacDonald tweeted this afternoon that the “Edge aren’t done yet,” and an announcement would be coming “soon,” saying that they are “planning big investments in the teams.”
VOCM News is tracking the story and will provide more information as it becomes available.
Earlier Story
Following a tumultuous couple of months, the city of St. John’s has signed a lease agreement with the Newfoundland Growlers to play at Mile One.
The three-year lease was signed yesterday.
The news comes after back and forth between the two groups that played out in the public eye after it was announced that the St. John’s Edge would not be returning for the upcoming season.
That back and forth fell silent as the two sides negotiated the lease.
Deacon Sports and Entertainment, the organization that owns the Growlers, says while they are focused on the season ahead, they will provide a media availability in the coming weeks to demonstrate their “long-term commitment and further investment in professional sports teams and facilities in the region.”