Jackfish and City of Welland Agree to Long-Term Lease and Facility Upgrades for 5th Anniversary

WELLAND - The Welland Jackfish and City of Welland have agreed to terms on a new ten-year lease for the team to call Welland Stadium home, effective immediately and running through the 2033 season, announced Saturday during A Very Jackfish Christmas Party.

The lease terms were approved by Welland City Council during the council meeting on Thursday, August 24, 2023.

"The City of Welland is pleased to sign a long-term lease with the Welland Jackfish" said Frank Campion, City of Welland Mayor. "This outstanding organization has quickly grown its fan base by providing top quality baseball as well as an amazing entertainment experience.  We are happy to be able to enjoy the team for years to come."

The Jackfish, established in 2019 as a member of the Intercounty Baseball League, has called Welland Stadium home since the team's inception. The team enjoyed strong, steady fan support in its Welland home since its first game, ranking at the top of the IBL during their first season.

"Welland Stadium or The Pond as our fans have come to know it is our home, and we're thrilled to announce that it will remain our home," said Ryan Harrison, Jackfish President and Majority Owner.

"It's a privilege to play in a first-class venue in front of the best fans in the league, and we are excited to show that we are here to stay and make a long-term commitment to the city and region. I would also like to thank the City of Welland for their hard work and support through this process."

The new lease comes on the heels of upgrades the club and city have made since the end of the 2019 season including new paint throughout the stadium, new MLB quality dugout fencing, new infield, concession upgrades, new video board, stadium seating, new group areas, and more. With this new commitment, the Jackfish will also look to continue capital upgrades including a new 40-foot merchandise store on the first base berm, and a new group patio.

"We are excited to announce we will be improving our concessions and not only added a new concession area but a great new group patio that will fit up to 50 people."

During the announcement, the Jackfish released their 5th-anniversary logo to celebrate five amazing seasons in the Rose City. 2024, named the "Year of the FINatic" will see increased fan interaction, entertainment and craziness that Jackfish fans have come to enjoy!

The 2024 Home Opener is slated for Saturday, May 18th at 6:05 PM. Single-game tickets go on sale on April 1st, 2024.

The Welland Jackfish are a member of Canada’s best league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The over 100-year old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, with the league established in 1919, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. For more information, visit www.wellandjackfish.com or follow the Jackfish on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @wellandjackfish.