NYCEDC Seeks Operator to Bring New Events and Programming to Staten Island’s Richmond County Bank Ballpark

Expanding Use Beyond Baseball Season Presents New Opportunity to Create Cultural and Entertainment Destination, Provide Jobs and Bolster Local Businesses

NEW YORK, NY—New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional event operators to coordinate and manage events at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark in Staten Island, home of the Staten Island Yankees. Through the proposal, NYCEDC aims to expand use of the stadium beyond the 38-game season with new community, entertainment, charitable and sporting events that will augment the St. George neighborhood on Staten Island’s burgeoning North Shore.

“Many know and love Richmond County Bank Ballpark for baseball, but with its incredible waterfront views, convenient location and vibrancy, the stadium should be enjoyed by New Yorkers and visitors year-round,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. “As the North Shore continues its renaissance, we look forward to growing event and programming capabilities at the stadium as a result of this initiative.”

Located next to the St. George Ferry Terminal, the borough’s main transportation hub, the stadium is adjacent to several new major waterfront development projects in the area that are bringing new residents, visitors, workers and businesses to the neighborhood who will benefit from the additional events and activities. These projects include Empire Outlets, New York’s first and only outlet mall, which opened in May, and, Lighthouse Point, a mixed-used development featuring residential, hotel, dining and office space that is currently under construction at the site of the historic U.S. Lighthouse Service.

“I am grateful to see this effort to fully utilize the prime real estate of the Richmond County Ballpark for year-round use,” said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo. “I look forward to the proposals from this RFP process that will aim to bring energy and economic activity to the stadium and provide good, old-fashioned enjoyment for all Staten Islanders.”

“Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of our Staten Island Yankees, is a neighborhood asset with potential to serve the North Shore throughout the year,” said Council Member Debi Rose. “As our renaissance continues to move forward, the release of this RFP is an important step toward better utilizing this asset, offering the potential for new opportunities for more Staten Islanders and visitors alike to enjoy this beautiful waterfront space.”

“Staten Island Community Board 1 is pleased that NYCEDC is issuing an RFP to provide a vendor to bring additional activities to the Staten Island Yankees Stadium,” said Nicholas Siclari, Chairman of Staten Island Community Board 1. “For too long, the Stadium has gone unused when there are so many opportunities to engage the community with events that would not only benefit the Stadium and Empire Outlets but also the downtown St. George neighborhood. Moreover, regular events at the field will provide a wonderful entrance to the new Bay Street Corridor.”

"The Staten Island Yankees appreciate the partnership and work of the New York City Economic Development Corporation,” said Will Smith, President of the Staten Island Yankees. “We are extremely excited about the possibility of additional events being programmed at Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. It's a beautiful venue with breathtaking views of the New York Harbor, the perfect backdrop for any event. We welcome the opportunity to work closely with additional Event Operators to maximize use of the facility in our Staten Island community."

Downtown Staten Island is currently undergoing one of New York City’s largest waterfront transformations with more than $1 billion invested in recent years in the neighborhood. It’s estimated that the number of annual visitors will reach 4 million when current and proposed projects are complete.

Proposals for the Staten Island Events Operator Opportunity are due by September 5, 2019 at 4pm.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation creates shared prosperity across New York City’s five boroughs by strengthening neighborhoods and creating good jobs. NYCEDC works with and for communities to provide them with the resources they need to thrive, and we invest in projects that increase sustainability, support job growth, develop talent, and spark innovation to strengthen the City’s competitive advantage. To learn more about our work and initiatives, please visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.