They like it

The Tacoma Rainiers, PCL affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, look like they are set to sign a long-term lease to stay at Cheney Stadium.

Mike McCall, president of Rainiers owner Schlegel Sports Group, told Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg that his company initially wondered whether it would need to relocate the minor league baseball team, Ladenburg said during a meeting of Tacoma city, schools and parks officials. But the group has since concluded that things are working well in Tacoma and that it wants to remain here, Ladenburg said.

A deal, possibly in the range of 10 or 15 years, could be reached as early as March, said Mike Combs, public assemblies facilities director for the City of Tacoma. Negotiations between Schlegel and the city have been ongoing and will resume next month in Arizona during spring training for the Seattle Mariners, the Rainiers’ major league affiliate, Combs said.

McCall couldn’t be reached for comment. Rainiers President Aaron Artman said the team is encouraged by last year’s 10 percent increase in attendance, and by the response to the ballclub’s new emphasis on season ticket and group sales. The Dallas-based group bought the Rainiers in 2006.

The possibility of new development around Cheney Stadium is another positive factor, Artman said.