Reno Aces Commit to 20-Year Stay Through 2049, Acquire Greater Nevada Field

The Reno Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously to seal a deal that keeps Triple-A Reno Aces baseball in downtown Reno through the 2049 season and transfers full ownership of Greater Nevada Field to the Aces’ ownership group. Nevada Land LLC, an affiliate of the Simon Group led by owner Herb Simon, will assume title and operational responsibility in exchange for a $40 million capital commitment spread over the next 10 years.

Under the agreement approved January 28, Nevada Land LLC will take ownership and the maintenance burden for both the stadium structure and the land under it. The owner will pay property taxes in full and will retain naming rights. The redevelopment agency will carry a $1,000,000 annual obligation through 2043, and the city may use the venue up to five times per year if it covers associated costs. If the city fails to meet its payment obligation, the contract includes language that could render the agreement null and void and allow the Aces to depart.

Owner Herb Simon framed the move as a long-term investment in downtown vitality. “Reno has proven to be an outstanding long-term home for the Aces,” Simon said. “This agreement reflects our confidence in the community, our partnership with the City of Reno, and our belief in the role this ballpark plays in the continued vitality of downtown. By committing through 2049 and investing significantly in the facility and surrounding area, we're ensuring that this remains a first-class venue for fans, players, and the community for decades to come.” Simon added in local remarks, “I think it is a good deal for the city and for us. We are excited. Reno is a special city for me. I have been coming here for 17 years, and I just love the place. We will be here for a while, and we plan to do more things around here.”

Team leadership emphasized certainty for fans and player development. “This agreement provides long-term certainty for the Aces, our fans, and the City of Reno,” said Eric Edelstein, team president. “Full ownership of the ballpark allows us to move faster and invest smarter, whether that’s fan experience upgrades, facility improvements, or ensuring we continue to meet and exceed Major League Baseball standards. Most importantly, it guarantees that Reno Aces baseball remains a cornerstone of this community through 2049.” Assistant City Manager Ashley Turney summarized the municipal priority: “What we're getting for the stadium is we're getting baseball for another two decades. That’s the first right off the top, we are keeping baseball in the community.”

The deal corrects a contractual mismatch that dated back to the stadium’s 2007 usage agreement, which brought the Aces to Reno from Tucson for the 2009 season. City staff had identified that the Aces’ non-relocation clause previously expired in April 2029 while other payments and settlements stretched to 2043, creating a timing misalignment the new contract resolves.

From a business perspective, the transaction reflects a growing Minor League trend of private operators taking more responsibility for venue upgrades and placemaking in exchange for long-term rights and commercial upside. The $40 million commitment will be deployed over 10 years, with half to be spent in the first five years and the remainder in the following five-year period. That phasing aims to accelerate fan-facing improvements and maintain a Triple-A standard for player facilities tied to the Arizona Diamondbacks affiliation.

Fans can plan around the 2026 slate knowing a downtown stadium will anchor the schedule; the Aces open at home Friday, March 27, 2026 against the Tacoma Rainiers. Single-game and season tickets are on sale and fans may call (775) 334-7000 for more information.

For Reno, the immediate payoff is stability and a capital plan to refresh a civic asset. For the Aces and Nevada Land LLC, the deal creates a platform to monetize naming and development opportunities while shaping downtown activity. The next steps will focus on executing the capital program and finalizing the legal transfer of title, with both sides under pressure to translate promises into visible upgrades before the next downtown season.