By Katie Knapp
Omaha, NE – The Omaha Royals are one step closer toward a move to Sarpy County.
Sarpy County released a 60-page Stadium Lease and Use Agreement Thursday. Under the agreement, the Royals would begin playing minor league baseball in Sarpy County in 2011. The agreement is valid for 25 years.
Omaha Royals Vice President and General Manager Martie Cordaro says he's optimistic the Royals will play ball in Sarpy County in two years. The Sarpy County Board is scheduled to vote on the agreement next Tuesday. Cordaro says the Pacific Coast League and Minor League Baseball must also approve the agreement.
The Agreement sets a maximum project budget of $26 million. Sarpy County would own the stadium and lease it to the Royals. In turn, the Royals could sell naming rights and would pay $450,000 a year in rent.
The agreement is available on Sarpy County's web site at www.sarpy.com.