WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg Says Hotel Is Key to Fulfilling Polar Park’s Financial Promise

By-Hank Stolz

Photo- submitted

WORCESTER, MA– As Worcester’s Polar Park again becomes a topic in election-season debate, Worcester Red Sox President Dr. Charles Steinberg says the key to fulfilling the ballpark’s original “no cost to taxpayers” promise lies not inside the stadium, but across Madison Street.

Appearing on Talk of the Commonwealth with Hank Stolz, Steinberg reaffirmed that the WooSox have met their obligations under the ballpark’s multi-part financing plan.

“The WooSox pay rent — not only the highest in minor league baseball, but the highest in its history,” he said. “We’re not the issue.”

The focus, Steinberg explained, should be on a project still awaiting development — the hotel planned for the lot across from Polar Park, a project overseen by Madison Properties.

“Everybody who follows your show knows that Worcester needs hotels,” Steinberg said. “That hotel, more than a left-field building, brings multiple sources of revenue — not only the tax revenue that an office building brings, but the transient occupancy tax. Get that hotel built and the ballpark will pay for itself.”

Meeting With Developer Denis Dowdle

Steinberg revealed that he and WooSox ownership met recently with Denis Dowdle, president of Madison Properties, to keep communication open.

“We met with Denis Dowdle about a week or two ago at his behest to keep lines of communication open, which we appreciated,” Steinberg said. “But it seemed to me that the hotel across the street — which everybody knows we need — might be the fastest, easiest, most effective way to make sure this fulfills the original promise.”

Steinberg noted that while the city feels urgency, developers often work on their own timelines.

“You just can’t force a private developer to make a deal they’re not ready to make,” he said. “You may think, ‘If it’s urgent for you, maybe I’ll just bide my time.’”

He emphasized that the hotel project, once underway, could restore public confidence that the financing plan remains sound.

“The concern is legitimate until there is reassurance that it is exactly what was promised,” Steinberg said. “Once you say yes to that hotel across the street — where there’s room, land, and ownership by Madison Properties — then you’re all set.”

Investors and the City Aligned on Hotel Plans

When Stolz asked whether Diamond Baseball Holdings, which owns the WooSox, might play a role in moving the hotel project forward, Steinberg said they support the effort but may not be needed directly.

“A lot of people are eager to invest in the hotel,” he said. “Everybody knows the city needs hotel rooms, and it’s a good location for one.”

He reiterated that the WooSox organization continues to collaborate with both Madison Properties and city leaders.

Addressing Fan Curiosity and Concert Rumors

Steinberg also addressed questions from fans about the undeveloped area beyond the outfield and persistent social media rumors about Polar Park’s design.

He said the team has leased part of the property to create a “fan deck”, expanding public space while respecting Madison Properties’ ownership.

“We’ve paid rent to make it a bigger area for fans,” he said. “But there’s a common theme here — respecting their desire to make a profit. That may eliminate urgency on their side, but there’s urgency on everyone else’s.”

Finally, Steinberg dismissed claims that Polar Park’s design prevents it from hosting concerts.

“That’s false,” he said. “We’re eager to have concerts. The issue isn’t design — it’s that Live Nation owns the Xfinity Center. We’re working with artists outside that portfolio, and some of those talks have been really good.”