Zephyrs agree to five-year lease extension

The New Orleans Zephyrs have reached an agreement with the State of Louisiana on a new lease for Zephyr Field.

The lease, signed by the Zephyrs and the State on Wednesday at a meeting of the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District (LSED), is effective immediately and runs for five years, with an option to extend for another five years thereafter. The previous lease, signed in October 2009, was set to expire following the 2016 season.

"The Zephyrs are hopeful that the new lease and security of the team's future will be a catalyst for bringing a $10 million stadium renovation plan to the forefront in the coming years," Zephyrs General Manager Mike Schline said.

Terms of the lease include SMG assuming daily maintenance of Zephyr Field, as they do for the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Smoothie King Center and the Jefferson Performing Arts Center.

"We believe SMG's resources will improve the overall appearance and operation of the facility, which is entering its 20th season this April," Schline said. "SMG's operation of Zephyr Field will also relieve the team of several financial obligations."

"This agreement ensures the team will continue playing baseball in New Orleans for the foreseeable future, something we are very pleased to be able to present to our fans," Zephyrs Vice President Walter Leger said.

The Zephyrs, Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, will open their 24th season in New Orleans on Friday, April 15, 2016. For more information, contact the Zephyrs at 504-734-5155.