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MEDFORD, Ore. — After concerns were raised about the cost and its impact on residents, Medford and the Eugene Emeralds abandoned plans for a new Minor League Baseball stadium at Hawthorne Park. There was also doubt about whether it could be completed in time.
City and Team Ended Project After Concerns About Cost, Residents and Construction Timeline
The decision was announced November 13, after a Medford City Council study session the previous day. Both parties agreed not to proceed with the proposal.
The latest figures in the council’s November 12 meeting papers put the estimated project cost at $90.47 million.
Of that amount, an estimated $80.47 million would have come from the City of Medford and the Medford Urban Renewal Agency (MURA), with $10 million expected from outside sources.
Tidings Data Snapshot
What the Shelved Medford Stadium Could Have CostHawthorne Park / November 12, 2026 staff scenario| Item | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Staff worksheet starting cost | $78.00 million |
| Additional city costs | $12.47 million |
| Total project scenario | $90.47 million |
| Assumed outside contributions | $10.00 million |
| Estimated City / MURA share | $80.47 million |
Rounded estimates, not approved spending. The separate consultant total was $75.22 million; city staff used a more conservative worksheet and added potential city costs.
Source: City of Medford / November 12 study-session packet, page 6DailyTidings.com
Public Contribution Could Have Reached $80.5 Million Under Staff’s Estimate
The revised cost estimate followed concerns from city staff who believed that some costs had been left out or underestimated in the earlier analysis.
They called for a more conservative assessment of the work and expenses that the city could be responsible for at Hawthorne Park.
The stadium could potentially have been ready by April 6, 2029, the target opening date used in the council packet, but the council also questioned whether that deadline was realistic.
The Emeralds Will Concentrate on Staying in Eugene
The city said the decision followed consideration of the council’s feedback and the work still required to meet the league’s facility standards.
The Emeralds will now focus on keeping the team in Eugene, owner DG Elmore said, while thanking Medford’s mayor, council and staff for considering the project.
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