In 2020, after a public bid process, the City awarded a lease and operating agreement of Grayson Stadium to Fans First Entertainment, LLC (FFE – the owner of the Savannah Bananas). The term of the lease was five years (through September 2025) and included base rent provisions and an obligation for FFE to invest at least $250,000 of capital into stadium improvements. FFE has performed and exceeded these obligations. The lease included the option to extend the term for one additional five year period (until September 2030) and FFE has exercised that option. The proposed Second Amendment obligates FFE to invest at least $250,000 more in the stadium during this extension period. It also amends the lease premises to provide some additional lands in the back of the stadium for the development of a 10,000 square foot locker and team training facility that will be constructed by FFE at their sole expense. As consideration, FFE will absorb all operating costs at the stadium, saving the City about $150,000 in annual janitorial, utility, and maintenance and repair costs. The City will be responsible for any capital repair/replacement exceeding $10,000 per item, and the City agrees to stripe designated parking spaces on the main east-west (one-way) drives at Daffin Park to help alleviate parking issues during games and events at the park.

 

Approval