It was the bottom of the ninth inning, bases were loaded with two outs and a full count, and the Hillsboro Hops’ very existence was at the plate.
Alright, in truth this drama played out in the Oregon State Legislature, but the fact remains — the minor league team needed a grand slam to keep its dreams of a new stadium alive. And, with the swing and crack of a wooden gavel (not a bat) that future became a reality.
You heard that right, folks. During the 2024 short legislative session, the Hillsboro Hops received the final $15 million needed to build upgraded facilities and meet the MLB’s updated requirements for feeder clubs, squeaking in just before the March 15 deadline.
Before securing full funding, the outlook was dire for the Hops, with the relocation of the Arizona Diamondbacks High-A affiliate on the table. Additional financial contributions to the project include $82 million in private funds, $18 million from the city of Hillsboro, $8 million from Washington County, and $2 million from Explore Tualatin Valley.
“This news means that the Hops are staying in Hillsboro with a new, year-round ballpark, where our community will all be able to gather for decades to come,” the team’s president and general manager K.L. Wombacher said.
Construction is set to break ground this summer with an estimated completion date before the 2026 season. Fans should expect little-to-no disruption to the upcoming season, which starts April 5.
