KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — With Andy Sandler at the helm of Kannapolis’ Single A baseball team there’s a lot of change in the air. First, the Kannapolis Intimidators will get a new stadium as part of a larger remake of the Cabarrus County community’s downtown. And with that shift, the organization is looking into a broader makeover of its own brand.
[ALSO READ: Kannapolis leaders call new Intimidators stadium a 'catalyst' for city's growth]
The Sandler organization, called Temerity Baseball, has been seeking suggestions for a new name, replacing the Intimidators brand that was adopted in 2001, after NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. bought an interest in the organization. Temerity’s plans have caused some local concern.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. tweeted that’s it’s a “shame” the name must change: “I remember how proud dad was of this.”
The name change will likely occur in 2020 when the team moves into the new stadium, which is now under construction. The idea, Sandler says, is to “control the brand” of the team.
Kannapolis is in the initial stages of a $500 million-plus plan to completely remake downtown with the new multipurpose ballpark, hundreds of apartments, at least one hotel, a performing arts center, offices, shops and restaurants. Temerity Baseball has signed a 30-year lease for the new 5,000-seat stadium.
Sandler, during an interview near the new stadium site, talked with CBJ about his life, the team and the investment he wants to make in a mixed-use center in Kannapolis. Read the highlights from that conversation here.
Cox Media Group
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