Reds CEO Marge Schott said Sunday the team would consider playing in a renovated Cinergy Field instead of a new ballpark.
''I think we should take a look at (renovation) to see if it can work,'' Mrs. Schott said. ''Maybe we can make something exciting for the fans. It's got to appear like a new stadium. It's got to be different so people can tell it's new, with grass and everything else.''
The Reds have been looking at a site for a new ballpark between Cinergy and The Crown known as ''The Wedge,'' but have been unable to close the deal with Hamilton County because of financial terms. Last month, the club cut off talks with the county saying it would seek stadium deals in other communities within the Reds' territory.
But Sunday night, Mrs. Schott told the Enquirer she doesn't think the Wedge can work, because a large part of the old stadium would be under construction. She also thinks the current site is the best place for a baseball team that has 81 home dates and draws fans from about 10 states.
While Mrs. Schott is serving a suspension from Major League Baseball, managing executive John Allen has been the Reds' point man in stadium negotiations. In the past, he has dismissed renovation as ''a used car.''
Asked whether she had talked to Mr. Allen on the renovation issue, Mrs. Schott said, ''He doesn't own the team. . . . Yes, we've talked. We'll see what happens. Of course, we'd still love a new stadium.''
Mrs. Schott said she doesn't think the taxpayers should have to pay for two new stadiums now that the Bengals' stadium has reached $400 million.
''I'm just sick of it. I think everyone's sick of it,'' Mrs. Schott said. ''It makes my heart sick. We're the team with 81 home games, and we haven't been treated that way. I just don't know if the taxpayers can pay for two new ones. We'd be paying it forever. I'm a taxpayer, too.''
Hamilton County Commission President Bob Bedinghaus said the county has continued to talk to the Reds informally, but no deal is imminent.
''I would think we could get something in the next few months,'' Mr. Bedinghaus said.
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