New baseball league coming to Old Orchard Beach Ballpark

A new baseball venture is coming to The Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach.

On Tuesday, the Old Orchard Beach Town Council signed a three-year contract, with the option of a two-year renewal, with Baseball by the Beach (BBTB).

BBTB will have four teams made up of players from across the East Coast that will compete against each other at The Ballpark, a town facility at Ballpark Way.

“This league is not playing anywhere else in the state. They’re just playing at The Ballpark,” said Recreation Director Jason Webber.

Under the terms of the contract, BBTB will pay the town an annual fee of $13,000, increasing $1,000 each year. BBTB will also pay the town a usage fee of $650 per game.

BBTB will receive all revenue from ticket sales, and the town will receive 30 percent of sponsorship revenue, said Town Manager Diana Asanza. Asanza said the agreement was a benefit to the town, and Webber agreed.

“I think this is a good partnership for our department and our town,” said Webber.

BBTB will have an office at The Ballpark. Their teams will be scheduled to play about 25 days at The Ballpark this season, said Webber. He said BBTB’s schedule will not interfere with other games, concerts and events at The Ballpark.

“They’re very great to work with,” said Webber. “They want to make Old Orchard Beach their home.”

The town will get 100 percent of proceeds from alcohol and concession sales, under the terms of the agreement. If the concession stand does not make at least $300 during a game, BBTB will pay the town the difference so that the town makes at least $300 to pay staff and cover costs.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.