Skeeters success translating into economic boost for Sugar Land

SUGAR LAND, TX (KTRK) -- It's come a long way from a sugar plantation in the mid-1800s. Sugar Land is now home to more than 80,000 people.

And now, it's home to the Atlantic League Champion Skeeters.

While the team developed a fan following the past five years an economic boom has also followed.

"I live on University and I've seen a lot of development there and growth," said Shivali Mehra.

When the first pitch was thrown at Constellation Field in 2012 it was just the beginning. Soon, however, apartments, offices and restaurants will soon be in center field view.

Smart Financial Center will open in January with Jerry Seinfeld headlining the opening night.

"That will be a big thing because a lot of time when we go to a concert we drive to The Woodlands, Cynthia Woods Pavilion," resident Nick McKnight said.

New construction at nearby UH Sugar Land will house the College of Technology. Dick's Sporting Goods is entering the Houston market with a location at First Colony Mall.

Jennifer May, the city's Executive Director of Business and Government Affairs says the Skeeters bring about a half-million residents and visitors to the park each year, boosting the economy.

"The team is a really important part of the community from a source of community pride, national recognition and they've become a really important part of our economy," said May.

Homeowners said they are feeling it too.

"It brings prosperity to the area, property values up, I can't complain about it. I own a home in the area and noticing homes are starting to go higher than they were before so it seems like a good thing to me," said resident Melvinn Brown.