KANNAPOLIS - Kannapolis city leaders have decided to take up the offer made by Rowan County for Kannapolis to buy Rowan's stake in Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium.

The stadium was built as a joint venture between Rowan County and Kannapolis in 1995.  Originally Cabarrus County was included as a partner, but that county opted out before the stadium opened.

"Now, almost 16 years later there's over a million dollars worth of repairs needed, it's time for Rowan to stop the bleeding," said Rowan County Commissioner Carl Ford.  "Maybe that land will be worth more, somebody might buy the stadium and do something with it.  The team (Intimidators) was getting tired of being torn between...we couldn't offer them any money or incentives to stay or whatever."

Last week Rowan County offered its share of the stadium, the home of the minor league Kannapolis Intimidators, to Kannapolis for $3 million and to finance the sale interest-free for 50 years.