Groundbreaking moment signals a new era for MLB Network, with an upcoming move to a cutting-edge facility set to open for the 2028 season.
MLB Network, the Emmy-winning channel known for its in-depth baseball coverage, is preparing to relocate to a brand-new, state-of-the-art complex. After Tuesday’s ceremony, the countdown begins toward a 2028 launch, while the network’s signature programming remains unchanged.
“Look at the MLB Network logo, which sits at home plate,” said Bill Morningstar, the network’s president. “That symbolism reflects the network’s role as home to baseball fans across the country. Today marks a major milestone for us.”
Attendees at the groundbreaking included Morningstar, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, Deputy Commissioner of business and media Noah Garden, Elmwood Park mayor Robert Colletti, and Clark Machemer, senior managing director of Crow Holdings—the real estate partner behind the project alongside MLB Network. MLB Network host Lauren Shehadi served as emcee.
Since its launch in 2009, MLB Network has earned 42 Sports Emmys across 15 categories and recently capped its most-watched season in seven years.
Manfred emphasized the need for a facility that matches the network’s high standards. “A network with more than 40 Emmys across various categories produces the kind of content we see daily, so a premier production facility is essential. We chose this site because it enables a first‑class operation that reflects our best work.”
The network’s programming lineup—including MLB Tonight: National Pregame Show, MLB Central, MLB Now, Intentional Talk, MLB Tonight, Quick Pitch, The Big Inning, and Play Ball—drives around-the-clock coverage, with thousands of content pieces produced annually at MLB Network’s facilities.
Beyond 3,000 annual hours of live programming for on-air and social platforms, MLB Network has increasingly served as a production hub for partners such as MLB Local Media, Apple TV, Peacock, YouTube, Meta, and Roku.
Manfred noted how rapidly the media landscape is evolving and how MLB Network remains central to MLB’s broader media strategy, thanks to its high-quality content and strong fan engagement. He added that the network serves as a primary source for learning about baseball, from ballparks to clubhouses, which is a testament to its impact on the sport.
The new site previously housed the Marcal Paper warehouse for nine decades before a 2019 fire. Crow Holdings acquired the property and designed a distinctive trophy-like industrial building inspired by the original warehouse.
Mayor Colletti credited Crow Holdings for transforming the site, describing the project as a cornerstone for Elmwood Park’s identity. He highlighted the team’s commitment to a design that diverges from a warehouse aesthetic and contributes to the town’s future image.
Scheduled to be fully operational by the 2028 MLB season, the 207,000-square-foot facility will accommodate MLB Network’s production studios, offices, and the Major League Baseball Film & Video Archive. The building will integrate advanced technology and contemporary design to keep MLB Network at the forefront of production innovation.
Machemer reflected on the site’s unique history and the potential it holds for the future, noting that the collaboration between MLB and the network embodies exciting possibilities.
The ceremony drew attendees from MLB Network and Major League Baseball, alongside the project team and partners, including AMA, ARK, Bohler Engineering, CBRE, CJD, CMTA, Design Republic, Eligator Acoustics, Gardiner & Theobald, Jack Morton, JRM Construction, McLaren Engineering, and NEP.
