We heard the announcement Friday, but details seem to be scant. After spending over a year seeking a new larger stadium in Yakima, even including Union Gap, the Yakima Bears are giving serious consideration to moving the team to Vancouver. Provided, that is, they receive a commitment for a new 3600 seat stadium to be built within 45 days.

Proposed location of Stadium in Vancouver

The stadium would be built on land adjacent to Clark College, immediately south of the Vancouver Veterans Hospital and just north of Marshall Center. Cost is estimated to run $23 Million and is slated to be used during off times for concerts, High School and College Sports and other community events. Sort of like the Sleep Country Amphitheater and the Convention Center at the Hilton.

Those who would attend the games are asked to use Clark College Parking as obviously there will be no room for parking at the new stadium. Team owners have supplied a Question & Answer sheet addressing what they believe will be concerns of the community HERE

The team, who has lost financially for at least 9 years straight, expects attendance to average about 2,800 a game with many arriving from Portland, who lost their AAA team, the Beavers recently.

Not addressed, the location of the proposed stadium will be very close to as proposed Loot Rail station at Clark College and the stadium is anticipated to be finished and in use long before construction begins on that stretch of I-5, the CRC and Loot Rail coming into the area.

Will the hoped for attendance hold up during the several years of construction around the stadium?

Exact breakdowns of funding have not been released, other than adding a 5% entertainment tax on movie theater tickets and any other form of entertainment in Vancouver.

The Columbian is ready to jump headlong into the project, HERE, HERE and HERE, apparently unable to think of any actual questions or concerns in regards to the project.

The Yakima Herald Expresses their sadness over losing the team HERE

Artists rendition of Yakima Stadium . Yakima Herald

Artist rendition of Yakima Stadium proposal. Yakima Herald.