Published: Thursday, Oct. 08, 2009 / Updated: Thursday, Oct. 08, 2009 04:54 PM

Knights, York County agree to 4-year lease

FORT MILL -- The Charlotte Knights and York County today agreed in principal upon a four-year lease for the team to play at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill. The Knights just concluded their 20th season of playing baseball in Fort Mill.

“We are pleased to be able to continue our relationship with York County,” said Knights Vice-President/General Manager Dan Rajkowski in a press release. “Our goal has been to provide the citizens of York County and the region a great form of family entertainment at an affordable price. Our organization is committed to growing the Knights at Knights Stadium and look forward to success both on and off the field.”

“We are pleased and excited that we were able to agree on a multi-year lease that can work for both the Knights and the community,” Buddy Motz, chairman of the York County Council, stated in the release. “Now we can all look forward to next season and some new features at the Stadium.”

The new lease will have the Knights committing parking revenues up to $150,000 annually towards capital improvements to the facility. York County will also commit their share of parking revenues to the capital improvements as well.

The team drew 320,427 fans in 2009—their 5th straight year of increased attendance at the facility. Since their first season at Knights Stadium in 1990, the Knights have drawn 6,481,433 fans.

The Knights open the 2010 season on the road in Gwinnett on April 8. The home opener is April 15 at 7:15 p.m.

The Charlotte Knights are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.