Las Vegas National Sports Center Acquires Las Vegas 51s

LAS VEGAS: Chris Milam, owner of Silver State Baseball LLC, announced today that he has formally entered into a contract with Stevens Baseball Group LLC to purchase the Las Vegas 51s for an undisclosed price. Subject to final league approval, ownership of the franchise is expected to be transferred by the end of July.

"We couldn't be more excited about reaching an agreement to acquire the Las Vegas 51s," said Milam. "Acquiring this franchise is an important step in the creation of the Las Vegas National Sports Center which will be the new home of the 51s as well as allow for the expansion of professional sports into the Las Vegas market," he continued.

"I admire Mr. Milam's vision and look forward to working closely with him and his team," said Don Logan, longtime general manager of the Las Vegas 51s. "In my new role as Executive Director of the 51s, one of my key responsibilities is to secure a new stadium for the franchise. In my more than 25 years with the team, the Las Vegas National Sports Center is by far the most innovative and realistic opportunity for that to happen," Logan continued. Drew Dondero of Stevens Baseball said on behalf of the seller that "Mr. Milam represents the right direction for the franchise and we feel that it will be in good hands going forward."

Branch Rickey, President of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) added, "We couldn't be more pleased that Mr. Milam is committed to acquiring the Las Vegas 51s. We are enthusiastic about having a new ballpark as a part of the Las Vegas National Sports Center. It would be a great boost for the Las Vegas 51s to be a part of a sports complex of this magnitude in the Entertainment Capital of the World."

In addition to a new state-of-the-art ballpark, the $1.95 billion Las Vegas National Sports Center will consist of two additional privately owned and financed venues; a 17,500 seat state-of-the-art arena designed for NBA basketball and a 36,000 seat state-of-the-art stadium designed for MLS Soccer. In addition to housing professional sports, all three venues are anticipated as new homes for NCAA basketball, baseball, football and soccer.

The new ballpark is being designed to provide for expansion to 36,000 seats should the National Sports Center be able to lure Major League Baseball in the future. While principally the home for MLS soccer, the new stadium will also allow for on-demand expansion to 50,000 seats for NCAA events and international friendlies, and could be further expanded to 72,000 seats for NFL football.