More expenses for Gilbert baseball complex

The price of Gilbert’s Big League Dreams sports venue is going up — again. But how much the town will be saddled with has yet to be determined, according to Town Manager George Pettit.

Graphic: See a map of the Big League Dreams complex

In the past, the town has been responsible for cost increases, causing some Town Council members to criticize the park’s costs and state they would refuse to approve any additional expenses.

The facility was originally estimated to cost $22 million but has ballooned to $39 million, including the addition of consultant fees, roadwork in front of the facility and the cost of furniture.

Pettit is planning a meeting with Big League Dreams representatives to review final expenses for the park, and whether the town should pay for any.

Among anticipated new expenses are additional netting to protect walkers on a nearby trail from baseballs, a satellite TV system and a security system.

“We need to meet with them and work it out,” Pettit said. “Clearly, the facility is approaching completion. We’re anticipating Big League Dreams taking over maintenance and operations as soon as possible.”

Ron Odekirk, a founding partner and consultant for Big League Dreams, said it’s not unusual for the price to go up on a facility of this size, particularly given the rough estimates made at the onset.

“I don’t think there’s anything out of the ordinary here,” Odekirk said. “But if there’s any question about whose responsibility it is, those are the things we’re going to talk to the town manager about.”

Meanwhile, Odekirk said the park is expected to be substantially completed by Nov. 1, at which time Big League Dreams will begin hiring and preparing to run the facility. By Dec. 1, residents are expected to be able to use the free venue, and league play is anticipated to begin early in 2008.

The park, just west of the northwest corner of Elliot and Power roads, includes eight baseball fields replicating major league parks, including Chase Field, Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium.

In its agreement with Big League Dreams, the town is responsible for construction costs of the stadiums, which California-based Big League Dreams Consulting will operate. In the agreement, Big League Dreams will share 6 percent of gross revenue beginning in its fourth year of operation — a total that could range from $500,000 to more than $1 million annually, depending on the success of the venue, the largest Big League Dreams built to date.

Mayor Steve Berman and Councilwoman Linda Abbott have criticized the cost hikes, saying they won’t support any additional increases. Other council members have argued that the town will reap enough benefits in revenue generated by the venue to make up for the jump in construction costs.