Why are not more games involving Boone County Schools played at Freedom Field?

[jolmstead]

I am just a casual HS baseball observer, but I am also a Boone County taxpayer. In reading some of these threads, I notice schools are still using their own fields and was wondering, given all of the public money that went into Freedom Field, why it was not used more.

[Geek61]

I am just a casual HS baseball observer, but I am also a Boone County taxpayer. In reading some of these threads, I notice schools are still using their own fields and was wondering, given all of the public money that went into Freedom Field, why it was not used more.

 

What "Public Money" went into the field? I think you are incorrect in saying that Public Money went directly into Freedom Field. Like many new ventures like that, they did receive some Tax benefits, but I'm not aware of the City of Florence or even the county putting money directly into it. You are also talking about 10 years ago so I'm not sure what claim the "Public" has to it. It is a Private Business.

 

My understanding is that Clint Brown has offered up to all area schools, but he has certain criteria around scheduling and many coaches/ADs don't want to do it his way. One thing is that the gate goes to cover the direct costs first and then to the schools. I believe I was told that it cost $1,500 just to open the gate for a day game. Of course night games are a lot more. There was also some hub-bub about concessions and selling Beer. Nothing like watching a High School game with a Beer in your hand. Heck, even I didn't feel right about that one.

 

We are certainly lucky to have it. I know I have watched many Regional Tourney games there when there was no baseball being played anywhere else in the area due to weather.

[cooperstown]

My understanding is that Freedom gets the entire gate durng the games and obviously all of the conccession proceeds. I don't think there is any cost to the schools, other than umpires, unless lights are needed and even then it is possible there might not be a charge if the gate numbers are sufficient. Lights would be required early in the season with more limited daylight and with smaller crowds due to colder weather, teams don't want to incur that expense. I also think part of the reason is due to the loss of gate/concesssions proceeds. Most teams are given very little, if any, money directly from the school and need to raise their own operating funds. Gate and concessions are an important money maker for a lot of the schools.

[doubledeuce]

What "Public Money" went into the field? I think you are incorrect in saying that Public Money went directly into Freedom Field. Like many new ventures like that, they did receive some Tax benefits, but I'm not aware of the City of Florence or even the county putting money directly into it. You are also talking about 10 years ago so I'm not sure what claim the "Public" has to it. It is a Private Business.

 

My understanding is that Clint Brown has offered up to all area schools, but he has certain criteria around scheduling and many coaches/ADs don't want to do it his way. One thing is that the gate goes to cover the direct costs first and then to the schools. I believe I was told that it cost $1,500 just to open the gate for a day game. Of course night games are a lot more. There was also some hub-bub about concessions and selling Beer. Nothing like watching a High School game with a Beer in your hand. Heck, even I didn't feel right about that one.

 

We are certainly lucky to have it. I know I have watched many Regional Tourney games there when there was no baseball being played anywhere else in the area due to weather.

 

That like what goes on in the Cincy Catholic Youth Football League games.

[CPU]

I am just a casual HS baseball observer, but I am also a Boone County taxpayer. In reading some of these threads, I notice schools are still using their own fields and was wondering, given all of the public money that went into Freedom Field, why it was not used more.

 

The City of Florence leases the land to the ownership of the Freedom(Clint Brown), 30 year lease I believe.

 

The original owner of the Ball Park went to jail for fraud

Florence Freedom has a deal

[doubledeuce]

I am just a casual HS baseball observer, but I am also a Boone County taxpayer. In reading some of these threads, I notice schools are still using their own fields and was wondering, given all of the public money that went into Freedom Field, why it was not used more.

 

 

How is it that your child attends a Kenton County school?

[Raiders Fan]

I believe the City of Florence did front the +/- $1M to make the change from dirt/grass to the artificial surface that is currently in place. I also believe the City of Florence Public Service Department handles most of the grounds maintenance around the facility. I did see a City of Florence crew mulching, etc. in the planting beds adjacent to the parking area and the interstate this past Saturday. I don't believe the City puts out any money toward team operations, that is all on Mr Brown and company.

[Geek61]

I believe the City of Florence did front the +/- $1M to make the change from dirt/grass to the artificial surface that is currently in place. I also believe the City of Florence Public Service Department handles most of the grounds maintenance around the facility. I did see a City of Florence crew mulching, etc. in the planting beds adjacent to the parking area and the interstate this past Saturday. I don't believe the City puts out any money toward team operations, that is all on Mr Brown and company.

 

I did forget about the conversion to Turf. That may indeed be the case. I remember the Fraud, but that was very early on and I don't think Clint Brown took over operations for quite a while after that. I'm guessing that "All that Public Money" is not necessarily cash, but seized assets and tax breaks.

 

Even if there was Public money put into it, it doesn't automatically mean that Mr. Brown has to open up like a Park. There are lots of projects that have public funds in them that I can't openly access. I do think that Clint Brown is more than generous with the local schools. Seems like they just choose not to be confined by his rules.

[Raiders Fan]

I think KHSSA has strict rules regarding alcohol sales at high school event. Darn them! :(

[Theoldguy]

I am just a casual HS baseball observer, but I am also a Boone County taxpayer. In reading some of these threads, I notice schools are still using their own fields and was wondering, given all of the public money that went into Freedom Field, why it was not used more.

 

The County of Boone to the best of my knowledge has little or nothing to do with the place, so even if you are a Boone County Taxpayer, it means nothing to the City of Florence!

[Clyde]

I think KHSSA has strict rules regarding alcohol sales at high school event. Darn them! :(

 

When you're at your next NKY game and you see some people drinking out of red Solo cups it's probably alcohol.

[75center]

How is it that your child attends a Kenton County school?

 

Nothing like stirring the pot.

[Oldtimebaseball84]

When you're at your next NKY game and you see some people drinking out of red Solo cups it's probably alcohol.

 

They sell those in Colonel blue as well as Colonel Red...........

[Geek61]

I think KHSSA has strict rules regarding alcohol sales at high school event. Darn them! :(

 

Believe it or not, this is not true. At least it wasn't two years ago when the issue came up due to complaints. They do not control the venues other than those at the State Championships.

[Theoldguy]

I for one am not a huge Freedom fan, as the quality of Baseball played isn't IMHO the best for the bang of my dollar but for those who are just looking for a fun night out, with a game going on, it is a great night out and not that expensive!

 

Now in saying all that, Mr. Brown has gone out of his way I believe to try and put HS games on the UC Health Field turf, but as Coop mention, most HS baseball teams get little or no support money from their schools and depend on the gate and concession stands to make some money.

 

Would love to see a two weekend tournament like the All Catholic Tourney that LexCath had in Lexington this year but in this tourney I would try to include games between teams like Elder, Moeller, Cin St. X, LexCath, Louisville St. Xavier, CovCath and NCC.