Auditor reviews PawSox finances for proposed stadium deal

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island’s auditor general says the Pawtucket Red Sox have stable finances, but attendance at games would have to increase for the team to help pay for a proposed new stadium.

State lawmakers are considering a bill to allow the state to help the team build an $83 million stadium in Pawtucket.

The Senate Finance Committee asked for a financial review of the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

Auditor General Dennis Hoyle said Monday the team’s ability to finance its share would depend on generating additional revenues from increased attendance and the potential sale of naming rights.

The quasi-public Commerce Corp. also said the PawSox would need additional cash flow from these sources.

The finance committee meets Thursday to issue its report and bring forward revised legislation.