Portland’s bid to secure a Major League Baseball franchise is gaining momentum, with renders revealing a 32,000‑seat timber‑and‑glass stadium planned for the city’s South Waterfront. Designed by Jeff Yrazabal of Populous — the architect behind the Reser Stadium renovation and Hayward Field — the proposed ballpark would sit between the Ross Island Bridge and Tillikum Crossing. Wood Central understands that the design features a translucent retractable roof and a superstructure built from Oregon-sourced engineered timber, paired with sweeping glass walls that showcase the state’s forestry expertise on a national stage.
Backers say the venue would be a “civic asset 365 days a year” and one of the most iconic backdrops in professional sports. “We believe this is an iconic site,” said Craig Cheek, founder and president of the Portland Diamond Project. “If you think about the current 30 stadiums in the country, there may not be a better backdrop.”
The 33‑acre Zidell Yards site has been central to the Diamond Project’s pitch. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has thrown his support behind the plan, saying, “We need a project like this and we need a project like this now,” and confirming the city is “actively partnering with (the Diamond Project) to build a complete and compelling package for the MLB.”
That package now has a major financial pillar in place. In late June, Governor Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 110 into law, authorising $800 million in state‑issued bonds to help fund the stadium. The bonds will be repaid through income taxes on players and staff, with the team and private investors covering the remainder of the estimated $2 billion cost.
“Overwhelmingly passing SB 110 is more than securing funding support for a professional baseball stadium — this bill shows Major League Baseball Oregon is excited about America’s pastime,” Cheek said after the signing. Supporters, including Sen. Mark Meek, D‑Gladstone, say the project would create jobs, attract fans, and inject long‑term investment into Portland’s economy. “With SB 110, we’re ready to compete, think big, and deliver,” Meek said.
Critics, however, question whether the financing will work as planned. John Calhoun of Tax Fairness Oregon argued the stadium would still impact state revenue. “It is not free money,” he said. “Economic denialism is an issue just like climate denialism is an issue. But that’s the way it is. And the legislators were enthusiastic about having a stadium, so that’s what they voted for.”
Portland remains in competition with other cities, including Salt Lake City, for an MLB expansion franchise. The Diamond Project aims to break ground as early as 2027, pending a team award, with Cheek promising a forthcoming announcement regarding the project’s financial backers.
