Rochester Honkers Will Not Play Ball in 2027, Possibly Longer
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester Honkers will not play baseball in 2027.
Read More: Rochester Honkers Announce Final Season at Mayo Field
The Northwoods League team is currently playing its final season at Mayo Field. The team opted out of its lease at the ballpark prior to the start of the season.
In a letter sent to the city, Honkers ownership wrote Mayo Field has “reached a point that is no longer sustainable for our operations,” despite “ongoing efforts and creative approaches.”
Honkers on Hiatus Beginning in 2027
Honkers Co-owner Chris Goodell says the team will not play next season and possibly longer as they will be without a field.
The Honkers have signed onto a proposed massive development at the site of the Silver Lake Power Plant along the Zumbro River in northeast Rochester.
Earlier this month, the Rochester City Council approved entering an exclusive six-month negotiating period with Landmark Development.
Proposed Development Includes Baseball Stadium
The agreement allows for additional studies into the feasibility of the company's proposal to redevelop the power plant site and surrounding properties as a "stadium-anchored mixed-use district."
Read More: Rochester Enters Negotiating Period for Stadium Development at Silver Lake Power Plant Site
The company indicates its proposal is supported by the Honkers, the United States Hockey League (USHL), which is eying Rochester as a home for an expansion team, and the Rochester Football Club.
City staff indicated a project of this magnitude will require years of study before any final decisions are made on the sale of the property.
Goodell indicates the Honkers will continue their pursuit of a new stadium at the power plant site during the team’s hiatus.
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