Accord Reached on Eve of Tenth Season will Keep Atlantic League Team in Central Islip

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy announced this week the county has reached an agreement with the Long Island Ducks on a ten-year lease extension for Citibank Park in Central Islip.

The announcement was made just prior to the Duck’s home opener Friday evening to start the team’s tenth season.

“The Long Island Ducks provide the most affordable family entertainment you can find, and we are thrilled to have the team here in Central Islip for another ten years,” Levy told the sellout crowd.

The deal, which runs from 2010 through 2019, will provide Suffolk with an increase in the annual base rent for the 6,000-seat county-owned stadium, and an increased share of advertising revenue. The team has committed to making $1 million in stadium enhancements over the life of the contract, including a new centerfield scoreboard. The lease arrangement is subject to approval by the County Legislature.

The Long Island Ducks, managed this year by Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter, play in the independent Atlantic League and set the independent league record for single season attendance with 443,142 fans in 2001. The team has attracted over 3 million fans in its nine years of play.

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