The Orlando Dreamers have announced two key financial aids for their initiative to bring Major League Baseball into town. Dr. Rick Workman, executive chairman of Heartland Dental based in Effingham, Illinois, is a leading investor, and John Morgan, founder of law firm Morgan & Morgan, is also involved in the effort. The Orlando Sentinel was the first to report on the identities of these investors.
The announcement follows the team’s declaration on April 24th, raising about $1.5 billion to acquire the franchise and securing a $1 billion intention to build the stadium. The group’s leadership suggests the possibility of purchasing the Tampa Bay Rays and relocating the team to Orlando.
Workman founded Heartland Dental in 1997. Currently working with more than 3,000 doctors in over 1,750 locations in 39 states, Washington, DC Morgan & Morgan is Orlando’s largest law firm, employing 181 local lawyers and over 6,000 individuals.
The Dreamers expressed their desire to build the stadium on a 35.5-acre property in Orange County, located on the southeast corner of the International Drive Interchange with International Road 528. Orange County has yet to announce whether it will support the initiative.
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The proposed $1.7 billion 45,000-seat Dome Stadium was one of several projects competing for $975 million in Orange County Tourism Development Tax in 2023, but was ultimately not selected by county commissioners. Dreamers previously said their proposal would create around 25,000 permanent jobs and create an economic impact of $40 billion.
Additionally, the proposed team plans to set up an office in downtown Orlando. This will be managed by Andy Hadriska.
