(KTTS News) — Springfield City Council approved the purchase of Hammons Field and the parking lots along East Trafficway south of the stadium.

The City of Springfield agreed to pay $12 million dollars to buy the property from the John Q. Hammons Charitable Trust.

It also agreed to make $4 million dollars in improvements to the stadium.

The agreement also includes a lease that will keep the Springfield Cardinals playing at Hammons Field through 2038.

Press Release

The City of Springfield is the new owner of Hammons Field.

City Council voted to approve a combination $12 million purchase agreement that includes the stadium and parking lots directly across Trafficway south of the stadium and to the west of the stadium, not currently marked for parking.

A long-term lease agreement with the Springfield Cardinals, Double-A affiliate of the 11-time Major League Baseball (MLB) World Champion St. Louis Cardinals is also part of the deal, along with the City’s commitment to fund $4 million in stadium improvements.

The lease agreement going through 2038 ensures the 2012 Texas League Champion Springfield Cardinals remain in Springfield where they have played since the affiliate’s founding in 2005.

Also included in the agreement is a Unrestricted savings from the General Fund and monies earmarked for “Economic Vitality” from the Level Property Tax Fund will be used to fund the investment.

Original Story

Springfield City Council will vote today on a plan to buy Hammons Field from the John Q. Hammons Charitable Trust.

It would cost the city $12 million dollars for the stadium and a parking lot.

The city has also agreed to make $4 million dollars worth of improvements to the ballpark.

It also plans to sign a lease agreement to keep the Springfield Cardinals in town through 2038.