Salem was sold to Hardball Capital, a group headed by Atlanta, GA real estate developer Chris Schoen and attorney Jason Freier, last year.

Edit: The price was estimated to be approx. $8 million.

The Avalanche set an attendance record in 2005 of 255,000 fans, and sold more than 237,000 tickets in 2006. That puts them 3rd in the Carolina League. This is twice as much as Lancaster, who sold 117,000 tickets in 2006.

Presumably, given the year's ownership, the money would have to be substantially in excess of $8mm to get Hardball, which also owns the Ft. Wayne Wizards, to sell.

Of course, having a PDC in Lancaster and blowing their chances in Wilmington could be forcing the issue.

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if this is true it could be a huge development having stability in the minors is huge especially in a normal environment in the Carolinas at such a crucial stop as high-A...really hope this ends up working out

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Salem is near Roanoke, Virginia. But the thought is correct.

I am somewhat surprised, but only because I was aware of the Salem purchase last year. There are some significant real estate/stadium development issues with the Ft. Wayne Wizards (also owned by the Salem owners), which may be having an effect.

I would like to see this, only to ensure a Carolina League presence and an opportunity to see the club when it comes to Wilmington. But that's almost two years away (if at all).