Live Nation To Develop Bridgeport Venue

Bridgeport, Conn., sealed a deal that will turn the Ballpark at Harbor Yard into a music venue, and Live Nation was chosen to co-develop the project.      

– Ballpark At Harbor Yard

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim announced Harbor Yard LLC, a partnership between Live Nation and SportsCenter of Connecticut-owner Howard Saffan, as the developer for the new venue, according to Stratford Star.

The partnership is expected to spend $15 million on the transformation of the 20-year-old ballpark, which is currently home to the Bridgeport Bluefish minor league baseball team.

The venue will remain publicly owned.

“Bridgeport is excited for this next step in revitalizing our city with positive development and providing music entertainment by bringing in a partner and a company like Live Nation,” Ganim said in a statement. “This next chapter of Bridgeport’s future is bright with the benefits and experience of a world-known entertainment company like Live Nation, and the historic success of Saffan as a venue operator, to bring concerts and shows that will put Bridgeport in the forefront as a destination place for family and friends.”

The deal leaves the Bluefish, who have 20 dates left in the regular season, without a home.

“We are proud of the 20-year run the Bridgeport Bluefish have had,” Frank Boulton, owner of the baseball team, said in a separate statement. “While we are disappointed the city deiced to turn the ballpark into a 29-date concert venue, we wish them the best of luck.”