Akron RubberDucks Seek $1.8M in Ohio Unclaimed Funds for Stadium Upgrades

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The Akron RubberDucks, the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, have applied for $1.8 million from Ohio's unclaimed funds account to help finance a $7.3 million renovation project at their downtown Akron stadium, 7 17 Credit Union Park. The team is one of 22 professional sports organizations across the state seeking a portion of the $400 million in unclaimed funds set aside by state lawmakers last year for stadium upgrades.

Why it matters

The RubberDucks' request is part of a larger effort by Northeast Ohio's major and minor league sports teams to tap into the state's unclaimed funds pot to finance facility improvements. However, the future of these proposals remains uncertain as the $1.7 billion in unclaimed funds is currently tied up in a pending legal challenge.

The details

The RubberDucks' $1.8 million grant request represents 25% of the total estimated renovation cost, which is the maximum share allowed under the state program. Planned improvements for the city-owned 7 17 Credit Union Park include upgrades to maximize the stadium's economic impact across the city, region, and state. The ballpark is home not only to the RubberDucks but also hosts the Ohio High School Athletic Association baseball state championship games and other community events.

• In late December, a Franklin County judge blocked the state from using the unclaimed funds.
• Last week, the state asked the judge to dismiss the lawsuit and release the money.

What’s next

Until the legal challenge to the use of the $1.7 billion in unclaimed funds is resolved, the future of the Akron RubberDucks' request and other proposals across Ohio remain uncertain.