The Mayor's Office and MFP Baseball, the prospective new owners of the Nashville Sounds, reached an agreement today on the lease of Greer Stadium. The amended lease has been filed with the Metropolitan Clerk's Office and will be considered at a specially called meeting of the Metro Council next Tuesday.

Mayor Karl Dean and representatives of New York-based MFP began talking in October about the lease. With the team's current lease set to expire on Dec. 31, Dean called the special meeting of the Council to give MFP the time it needs to make improvements to Greer before the start of baseball season in April.

"Through this lease agreement, the prospective new owners have demonstrated their commitment to improving the stadium and providing an experience at Greer worthy of Nashville's baseball fans," Dean said. "The lease changes represent no additional financial commitment from the city while ensuring the longevity of baseball in Nashville."

The amended lease includes a five-year term with a five-year option and a commitment from MFP to invest a minimum $1.75 million into Greer. The deal is contingent upon approval by the league and MFP closing on its purchase of the team.

Prior to Tuesday's Council meeting, the resolution must also be considered by the Budget and Finance Committee and the Parks Committee of the Council.

Frank Ward, a partner in MFP, released the following statement when the deal was made public.

"My partners Masahiro Honzawa, Steve Posner and I are delighted that we have come to terms with Metro Nashville for a lease of Greer Stadium for the upcoming season.  Mayor Karl Dean and his staff have done a good job of looking out for the city's interests, but have negotiated in a businesslike and professional manner.

"Thanks to the Mayor and Council for allowing this measure to move as quickly as possible through the system so we can get started on our work.

"Steve and I have been at the baseball winter meetings in Las Vegas since Saturday, and we are hopeful to have the approval of both the Pacific Coast League and Major League Baseball for our purchase of the team complete by late January. We have had several meetings with league officials and the Milwaukee Brewers leadership this week.

"In the meantime, however, we plan to move ahead with getting contracts signed and beginning work on the stadium. There is much to be done between now and opening day, April 9, to bring the stadium up to an acceptable level for our fans.

"The facility is 30 years old and badly in need of repairs, so attendees should not expect miracles. But we will do all we can to provide a clean, safe comfortable environment. We plan to make ourselves available to meet fans and hear their views.

"We hope to someday soon be able to offer Sounds baseball in a new ballpark, but our entire focus right now is on upgrading and maintaining Greer Stadium."