By Betsy Dolan
They’re whistling “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at Sugar Land’s Economic Development office these days. They’re hoping the city’s suite at Constellation Field will be a grand slam in recruiting new business opportunities for the city when the Skeeters take the field in April.
“We are always opportunists as we move forward in creating new business and expanding our community.” said Regina Morales, Director of Economic Development. “We want to utilize this as a tool in growing our community.”
The year-round suite is part of a lease agreement with Opening Day Partners, the business end of the Skeeters organization. The Economic Development office is crafting a policy that will map out how the suite and corresponding ticket allotment will be used.
At the top of the list is business development, intergovernmental relations and tourism. Morales says the suite is an opportunity to provide statewide and national exposure for Sugar Land especially to those business who may not be familiar with the city.
“The International Economic Development Council is holding their annual conference in the Houston area in September.” Morales said. “We’re arranging to bring a tour to Sugar Land to show them the stadium and hopefully catch a ball game.”
The City of Sugar Land will also get 200 tickets per event as part of the lease agreement. The tickets will be used primarily for business retention but will also be used by various city departments and volunteer groups.
“This is a chance to have local companies recognized and to provide tickets to their employees.” Morales said.
Non-profit organizations will also benefit from the suite and tickets. Each City Council member will have the chance to host one event for their favorite charity in the suite. Unclaimed tickets will be given back to the Skeeters organization to be used by various charities, like Deacon’s Dugout where low income children can attend a game.
The City Council needs to approve the suite and ticket allotment policy. The Economic Development office hopes to begin scheduling events for the suite in late February or early March.