Stadium dreams collided with reality to make the simple complex

(By Laura Graff, Winston-Salem Journal) - A public-private partnership. It sounded simple two years ago when the city of Winston-Salem approved spending $12 million to help build a baseball stadium downtown.

Taxpayers and businesses would join together to add a critical element to the core of the city. Nearby neighborhoods and restaurants would thrive. Fireworks would explode, mascots would race children around bases, and hot dogs, Cracker Jack and Thirsty Thursdays would bring a party­like atmosphere to the city.

But the execution has been anything but simple, and the party is a long way from starting.