FLORENCE — A minor league baseball team in Florence would be one of the largest franchises in the independent Frontier League it wants to join, a feasibility study stated Tuesday.

        Brian Parker, manager of Convention Sports & Leisure, a Minneapolis consulting firm, presented the study during Tuesday's City Council meeting. It was based on information from Frontier League teams; Class A clubs; and Gary Enzweiler, who owns the rights to the Florence franchise.

        “Overall, the Florence market's demographics compare favorably with other comparable minor league markets, indicating that the Florence market could potentially support a new franchise on a level with markets that are supporting minor league franchises,” the study stated.

        Mayor Diane Whalen said the city wasn't committing to anything just yet because Tuesday was the first time council had seen the study. She said whatever happens next will have to fit into the city's goal of developing parks.

        “One thing we can definitely say is, we are exercising due diligence,” Ms. Whalen said. “We have not jumped into anything. We need to determine how the concept of minor league baseball fits.”

        Frontier League Commissioner Bill Lee said it fits because a baseball park is recreation by nature and can be used for concerts and high school and youth sports.

        According to the study:

        • Florence could draw its fan base from a population of over 1.3 million people within a 25-mile radius, which would be third highest in the league behind teams in suburban Chicago and St. Louis. Given an estimated penetration ratio of 8 percent, that means over 101,000 fans per year are expected to attend Florence games during a 42-home game season.

        • The median household income in the Florence market is $41,178 per year with an annual average entertainment expenditure of $2,059. The entertainment spending includes about $60 on sporting events, and both figures would be third highest in the league.

        • About 43 percent of the population falls into the 25-54 age bracket the Frontier League targets.

        • Ticket prices would range from $4 to $7 per game.

        The city has been considering a 32-acre site at the intersection of U.S. 42 and Dream Street near Interstate 75, where Frontier Fantasy is now. Mr. Parker said 7 to 10 acres are needed for the ballpark and parking, with the rest open for development.

        Mr. Enzweiler, an entrepreneur and Northern Kentucky native, said the team could be ready for the 2002 season and a new stadium would take six months to build, but Ms. Whalen said the 2003 season is a more reasonable goal.

        Mr. Enzweiler stuck with his proposal to finance a 3,500- to 4,000-seat park that calls for the city to pay 65 percent of the estimated $5.5 million ballpark cost and the team the rest.

        “I certainly wouldn't anticipate a problem (with financing),” Mr. Enzweiler said. “Other markets have solved it. I did not embellish on the numbers.”

        The park would call for six luxury suites with 12 seats per suite. Tickets there would cost $15 per seat per game, but Mr. Parker said more suites may be added later.

        Mr. Enzweiler said annual team expenses would total just over $2 million, including $791,000 for player, coach and administrative salaries.

        In May, a University of Cincinnati study stated the team and fans would pump about $1.9 million a year into the Florence economy.

        The UC study also stated the city would take in some $21,000 a year in payroll and property taxes.

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