Providence, R.I.  — Boston Red Sox President Larry Lucchino is making the case for public investment in a new stadium in Providence for the team's Triple-A minor league affiliate.

Lucchino co-owns the Pawtucket Red Sox. He told reporters on Thursday that the new, multi-use stadium would draw up to 1 million visitors to Providence year-round and result in an estimated $14.9 million annually in direct spending.

He says the economic benefits wouldn't be the same if the team stayed in Pawtucket.

Lucchino says the team has been approached by other New England officials interested in the team, but he declined to elaborate.

Rhode Island lawmakers rejected the team's original proposal for $120 million in state subsidies. The team is working with the state on a new proposal.