Silver Hawks sign new 5-year lease

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Silver Hawks have a new lease, but it's not as clear cut as one might imagine.

The current owners of the ball club are in the process of transferring ownership to Chicago businessman Andrew Berlin, but the deal isn't official until it's approved by a number of agencies. Now, the Silver Hawks' current owners and the city signed a new five year lease.

The lease includes a number of upgrades that the city will help fund. The city has committed to funding up to $1.75 million of improvements at the facility.

“They'll go ahead and put in new seating, they'll change what used to be the beer garden into a better place,” said Chuck Leone. “I believe there will be playground.”

New owner will also pick up the tab for some of the renovations. The renovations will be aimed at making the park more family friendly.