MLB RALEIGH
A movement to put Raleigh, NC in the running for an MLB expansion team, while bringing together the community and helping to raise money for underfunded projects and youth initiatives.
THE MLB RALEIGH COLLECTION
THE CAUSE
With each MLBR item sold, money is heading right back into the movement’s goal of amplifying the spirit of sports in Raleigh. From continuing to upgrade fields and outfitting teams with new gear, to make sure folks have a warm meal during the holidays. Prior projects include the revitalization of the Raleigh Boy’s Club’s baseball field, scholarship funds raise for HBCUs, holiday meals purchased at ‘Place at the Table’, Get out the Vote initiative, and more. #RaleighOnDeck
A grassroots movement to bring Major League Baseball to Raleigh, NC
“In all honesty it just made us ask, ‘Why not Raleigh? Are we really not a viable market?’
Based on the numbers, there is no reason that Raleigh shouldn’t at least be in the conversation for a Major Leauge Baseball expansion team. And with commissioner Rob Manfred looking to take MLB to 32 teams in the near future, the time was right for Raleigh to make their pitch.
Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the nation, with population numbers and the money to be in the conversation for pro baseball. We believe Raleigh should pivot their focus on preparations to the last major sport missing in North Carolina, Major League Baseball.
MLB franchises provide cities with a significant boost in local employment, investment, and tax base. Stadium operations would bring jobs for local citizens and would bring a significant increase in tourism dollars to the city and its downtown districts. A baseball stadium guarantees you 81 home games per season (far more than any other pro sport) and with its 3-game series setups, MLB brings in overnight tourists who get to stay and experience the city. Baseball stadiums are also the most flexible in terms of layout, allowing them to be activated for more during the off-season. College football bowl games, World Baseball Classic games, outdoor basketball, hockey set-ups, concerts, movies on the big screen, and dog-friendly festivals are some of the ways other cities are activating their MLB stadiums.
This movement was built by a group of Raleigh residents who share a love of baseball and a love for their city. The profits we raise from merchandising or events will be put back into the community to help improve baseball facilities for underserved communities (through the Boys and Girls Club of Raleigh). We will be updating you with specific baseball facilities we will be working towards improving in the East Raleigh area.
The rebirth of downtown Raleigh was a product of local residents taking the chance and opening businesses, galleries and putting on community events in what was a desolate downtown. It was the creative community, entrepreneurs, and people who had pride in their city, banding together to create a culture of inclusivity and excitement around art, music, food, and beer.
They did such an excellent job elevating Raleigh and building its culture that the entire region is now thriving and has the nation's attention. With baseball expansion on the horizon, we want that same community (and those who have come since then) to be a part of the push for a team in our area. We've put together this movement organically, by explaining the idea and showing the data to anyone who would listen. What we found out was that not only was that notion of 'coming together to make our city better' still alive and well, but that people here have a love for baseball and they just haven't had the outlet to express it.
Baseball's coming expansion has created the perfect moment for our region and our city to come together around a movement to put Raleigh in the conversation for a Major League team. In a truly collaborative fashion, we've assembled the data, built the platform, and put together the pitch.
Now we need you to help us amplify the message that our community is united, passionate, and ready to become a big-league city.
