BasesLoadedWalk

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-spu...ports-headlines Renovations to OB still an option By Sarah Talalay and Omar Kelly South Florida Sun-Sentinel Posted June 2 2007 Members of the University of Miami's board of trustees are not yet sold on moving Hurricanes football games to Dolphin Stadium, boosting hopes there might still be a chance to renovate the Orange Bowl, a trustee said Friday. Trustee Joe Arriola, Miami's former city manager, said that during a meeting of the board's athletics and finance committees, trustees, many of whom have a fondness for the aging Orange Bowl, raised concerns about losing the school's tradition and the football team playing on infield dirt during baseball season because the Marlins also share the stadium with the Dolphins. Trustees also questioned the length of the lease Dolphin Stadium officials proposed, which Arriola said is five years with some options. "It was a very interesting development because everybody was kind of whispering [a move] was a done deal," Arriola said. He said he expects UM officials to continue discussions with Dolphin Stadium officials about a move and the city of Miami about a proposed $206 million Orange Bowl renovation. The city's proposal would add suites and club seats to the stadium's south side and upgrade restrooms and concession stands across the venue. The plan requires UM to give up more of the revenue it earns in the stadium than it does now, including 100 percent of suite revenue, but projects the school will earn $2.6 million more in a renovated Orange Bowl. Sources say UM is expected to earn even more in Dolphin Stadium. "I guarantee you I thought the Orange Bowl didn't have a 5 percent chance of being the place," Arriola said. "After today, I would say if it's not 50-50, it's 55-45." AD SEARCH Pat Richter, who served as President Donna Shalala's athletic director at the University of Wisconsin where she was chancellor, will lead the search for a new Hurricanes AD. Richter and Glenn Sugiyama, who work in the sports practice of search firm DHR International, were hired to oversee the search to replace Paul Dee, who plans to retire in June 2008. UM hopes to be presented candidates by next spring. "This kind of lead time allows a long, thoughtful process," Richter said. "It gives you a lot of time to get together with the staff, talk to people at Miami, the alumni, coaches, to get some of their thoughts." Elsewhere MEN'S TENNIS: Coach Mario Rincon signed a three-year contract extension. http://www.miamiherald.com/588/story/126549.html UM FOOTBALL OB, Dolphin Stadium talks will continue BY BARRY JACKSON bjackson@MiamiHerald.com Two key committees of the University of Miami Board of Trustees directed UM president Donna Shalala on Friday to continue negotiating with Dolphin Stadium and the Orange Bowl instead of negotiating exclusively with either party. The result of the discussion -- which included about two dozen members of the Board of Trustees -- wasn't surprising because UM isn't ready to sign a deal with either stadium, according to two people in attendance. Although Dolphin Stadium drew up a contract for UM last week, several points still need to be resolved. There also is sentiment among some trustees toward staying at the Orange Bowl, even though UM would make millions more annually by moving to Dolphin Stadium. The city of Miami's latest proposal to UM would fund $206 million in renovations to the OB, but reduces the amount of annual revenue that the Hurricanes expected. There also is uncertainty about whether the city would succeed in acquiring $45 million in historic tax credits, which is critical to the city's funding plan. In order to receive the credits, the OB must be designated as a national landmark. John A. Pancione, senior vice president for Jones-Lang-LaSalle (the city's consultant on the OB project), said UM first must commit to the city to stay at the OB before the city pursues that tax credit, which puts UM in a position where it must take a leap of faith. Pancione said the city told UM it wouldn't cover the $45 million if the tax credits aren't granted. UM officials originally said they expected a decision by May, but that timetable likely will be pushed back until later in the summer. UM's lease with the OB runs through the 2009 season.

It looks like this issue isn't going away any time soon... http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/070524/story7.shtml Commissioners OK plan to have Marlins change name, spring-training site By Wayne Tompkins The Florida Marlins would conduct spring training in Homestead and change their name to the Miami Marlins as part of a deal for a new stadium under a county commission committee's resolution passed last week. The resolution sponsored by Commissioner Dennis Moss, whose district includes parts of South Miami-Dade, sailed through an enthusiastic Miami-Dade Airport and Tourism Committee. Mr. Moss said spring-training games at Homestead Baseball Complex would reinvigorate the stadium and create an opportunity for fans in the southern part of the county and the Florida Keys to see the Marlins play. It also would bring in tourist-tax revenue to help fund the county's share of a new stadium, he said. Marlins officials are poker-faced about Mr. Moss' proposal. Team spokesman P.J. Loyello would say only that the team's lease at its current spring-training complex, Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, runs through 2022. Homestead city officials have said the baseball complex built in 1991 for the Cleveland Indians, who never went there and moved their spring base to Winter Haven after Hurricane Andrew struck in 1992, would need some upgrading but could accommodate spring training. College baseball teams have been the primary users of the 6,500-seat baseball stadium at 1601 SE 28th Ave. County commissioners at the committee meeting vented their frustrations over plans to build a stadium for the two-time world champions. "If there has been a pregnancy longer than this one, I don't know of any other," Commissioner Rebeca Sosa said of often-blocked efforts to have a retractable-roof ballpark built in the county. The estimated cost of building a stadium in downtown Miami has reached $490 million. A bill for a $60 million, 30-year sales-tax rebate to help fund a stadium failed to come up for a vote in the Florida Senate before the end of the legislative session. Under the proposal, the county would own and finance a stadium but the Marlins would build it and absorb cost overruns. The Marlins currently play in Dolphin Stadium, where their lease is set to expire in 2010. "The state didn't give you a penny. That means you don't belong to Florida," Ms. Sosa said in discussing the team's name. "We are going to build a stadium, so you belong to Miami, to Dade County." Commissioner Carlos Gimenez expressed frustration with the Legislature, which also failed to complete a vote on stadium funding last year. "Waiting for this state money has probably cost us a couple of hundred million dollars," Mr. Gimenez said. "If we'd just gone ahead and built it, it would have cost us a lot less. Forget the state. It's not going to happen. Sixty million (dollars) can be value-engineered. It's not the end-all."

You may click on the story link to see the video http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_135134523.html Twins Ballpark Site Ready For First Building Stage (AP) The first clear sign of the beginning of construction on the Minnesota Twins' new ballpark will soon arrive on the downtown site: the dump trucks. Clearing of the area has begun on the 10-acre parcel just west of Target Center, and portions of the site -- which has been a parking lot -- will be stripped to prepare for excavation. Crews will begin hauling material out next Monday, said Dan Mehls, who is managing the project for M.A. Mortensen Company. Most of the concrete and asphalt will be recycled, he said. On Tuesday, the Twins staged a mock diamond with home plate and the bases placed on their actual spots when the $522 million stadium opens for the 2010 season. The entire site has been fenced off for security. "It's a start," Twins executive Jerry Bell said. "You have to begin someplace." The site clearing is the first phase of the project. Third Avenue North will also be removed between Sixth and Seventh streets during this phase. The official groundbreaking is scheduled for August, when a railroad line will also be relocated and the site will be excavated. During excavation, the site will be leveled 2 to 3 feet lower and eventually stabilized with gravel. Up to 100,000 cubic yards of material will be moved out.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c...BAGK5POMQO4.DTL Oakland A's sign Fremont land deal Patrick Hoge, Chronicle Staff Writer Thursday, May 10, 2007 (05-10) 12:17 PDT FREMONT -- The owners of the Oakland A's announced today that they have signed a contract to buy 168 acres for a proposed ballpark development in Fremont. Lew Wolff, the team's managing partner, said the deal will allow him quickly to submit an application to the city for a roughly 32,000-seat stadium, surrounded by housing and high-end commercial development. "We're very excited about it,'' Wolff said from his office in Los Angeles. "This is one of our good days.'' Wolff did not disclose the price for the land in an industrial area off Auto Mall Parkway, all of which is owned by ProLogis, an industrial real estate firm. About 25 acres of the land are controlled by ProLogis directly. The other 143 acres are controlled by Cisco Systems Inc., which has a long-standing option to buy the land. In November, Wolff revealed that he planned to move the team from Oakland's McAfee Coliseum to Fremont. At the same time, Cisco publicly committed to a 30-year ballpark naming deal that calls for the company to make annual payments to the team starting at $4 million. Wolff and his representatives have been meeting with Fremont officials and have committed to spending $500,000 for city-hired consultants to study a ballpark plan. But city officials have had little to study, because the team has not made a formal application. Wolff said he would not make such an application until after he had a deal for the land. "What that does really is start a process," Wolff said today. "It enables us to move forward.'' Fremont Mayor Bob Wasserman, who loves the idea of the A's coming to town, welcomed today's news. "It's a giant step,'' Wasserman said. "Now the ball is going to be in our court. We will have extensive studies to do. We're going to have decisions to make. I'm hopeful that the economics are there, that everything is there, and we end up with a marvelous project.'' Wolff presented city officials with an economic analysis Tuesday asserting that a new ballpark in Fremont would produce millions of dollars a year in public and private revenue. The report assumed development of a stadium, 2,900 residential units on 120 acres, a 100-room hotel and 550,000 square feet of retail space. It estimated that the entire development would cost $1.8 billion and that the ballpark would cost about $450 million. E-mail Patrick Hoge at phoge@sfchronicle.com ________________________________________________________________________________ http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/pres...sp&c_id=oak 05/10/2007 4:00 PM ET A's complete land transactions to construct new Cisco Field Ballpark and village Application process to begin with city of Fremont on 226 acres OAKLAND -- Oakland Athletics owner Lew Wolff, Cisco and ProLogis announced today that they have signed land agreements enabling the Cisco Field ballpark process to move forward. The A's now have completed the land transaction and control 226-acres of land in the City of Fremont where the new Cisco Field ballpark and the urban village will be built. In addition, the A's will continue to work with the City staff on the steps necessary to commence the public application process. "I am pleased that this important stage in our goal of creating Cisco Field and the Baseball Village is complete," said Wolff. "Our agreements with Cisco and ProLogis are a critical milestone in giving us the opportunity to create Major League Baseball's most exciting and intimate fan friendly venue. Our organization believes the development program we will implement will generate very positive benefits for the city of Fremont, Alameda County and the fans that we serve. Remaining in Alameda County and having an exciting venue will also impact the A's ability to attract and retain Major League Baseball talent." "We are truly excited to begin the next phase of our strategic relationship with the A's," said Cisco Chairman and CEO John Chambers. "We believe Cisco Field will provide the Bay Area community and major league baseball fans alike with an experience that is unparalleled in sports today. By teaming with the A's, Cisco will be able to use technology to help create a ballpark of the future-and connect communities." The 226-acres of land will include Cisco Field and urban village featuring an integrated mixed-use life-style center and pedestrian oriented residential community. Cisco Field will become a destination attraction for fans to enjoy the excitement of A's baseball in a setting that will combine the intimate feel of the venerable ballparks with the state-of-the-art amenities of today's sports venues. Cisco and the A's are committed to making the stadium eco-friendly. Cisco believes that through the use of network-enabled building systems, it is possible to substantially reduce the energy required to heat, cool, and power the stadium. About Cisco Field Last November, the A's announced that the baseball-only stadium will be named Cisco Field as part of a 30-year naming rights agreement. Cisco Field will be located in Fremont, which is approximately 20 miles to the south of McAfee Coliseum, five miles north of the Santa Clara County line and 12 miles from downtown San Jose. With a population of over 210,000 people and an area of 92-square miles, Fremont is the fourth most populous city in the Bay Area and California's fifth largest city in the area. The ballpark site is located on the west side of Interstate 880 off the Auto Mall Parkway. The partnership with Cisco includes a broad marketing and business agreement which will underscore the A's commitment to create a unique fan experience by leveraging network technology throughout the ballpark and franchise operation. Cisco Field will be one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world and will demonstrate the positive role technology can play in sports, entertainment and connecting communities. Cisco's technology will be used to enhance every facet of the stadium, from ticketing and concessions to the management of game day operations. Groundbreaking on the project will commence once the A's gain approval from the City of Fremont. The estimated cost of the ballpark is between $400-500 million (excluding land) with construction time taking between 24-36 months. Up to date information on the progress of Cisco Field can be obtained on the team's official website Oaklandathletics.com. Fans may also offer their suggestions regarding any aspect of Cisco Field through a special feedback section. Fans suggestions will be compiled on a weekly basis and forwarded to A's management. The A's will continue to operate under its current lease agreement at McAfee Coliseum through the 2010 season, with the addition of three one-year club options through the 2013 season. Opened in 1966 and home of the A's since 1968, the Coliseum is the eighth oldest ballpark in the Major Leagues behind Fenway Park (1912), Wrigley Field (1916), Yankee Stadium (1923), RFK Stadium (1961), Dodger Stadium (1962), Shea Stadium (1964) and Angel Stadium (1966), although both Yankee Stadium and Angel Stadium have undergone significant baseball renovations over the years. The Coliseum is one of only four multi-purpose stadiums in the Major Leagues, including Dolphin Stadium in Miami, The Metrodome in Minneapolis and Rogers Centre in Toronto. One of the American League's original franchises, the Athletics have won nine World Series championships and have captured 15 American League pennants. Only the New York Yankees (26) and St. Louis Cardinals (10) have won more World Series championships than the A's. Since 1968, the A's have captured four World Series titles, six American League pennants, 14 AL West Division titles and one AL Wild Card. The A's are one of the most community-minded teams in all of sports as the organization continues to support numerous charitable organizations in an effort to improve the quality of life of people throughout the Bay Area. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.

http://capefish.blogspot.com/2007/05/comin...in-stadium.html If all else fails, at least we might look forward to some aluminum bench seating and some funky dimensions until or if a proper ballpark comes online. This i suspect really had nothing to do with the failure of the senate to hear the bill , more or less the broward /palm beach block of senators strongly voiced opposition to this bill in addition to budget shortfalls helped scuttle the bill . Even though we all know zero ZERO dollars would have been spent by the state to build the stadium the rebate was incorrectly viewed as a give away to a wealthy sports owner Except Loria isn't that wealthy of an owner. He's not George Steinbrenner rich, not even John Henry rich. And he already has promised to provide substantial funding for the ballpark. I wonder if he has the means to make up the difference. Oh, the dilema the league has forced on this market.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/01/sports/b...01sandomir.html Latest Developments in a Crosstown Rivalry By RICHARD SANDOMIR Published: May 1, 2007 Home plate at Citi Field in Flushing is marked by a patch of Astroturf. In the Bronx, an outcropping of New York schist was leveled by chisel hammers attached to earth movers to clear the land for the future home plate at the new Yankee Stadium. The pitcher?s mound in the Bronx will be where a yellow Dumpster rests, while a steel span in Flushing that emulates the Hell Gate bridge over the East River will soon support the concourse in right-center field. The Mets and the Yankees are racing to open their new stadiums by opening day 2009. Those passing the construction sites ? huge rocky pits that are filled with cranes, earth movers, steel, giant pieces of precast concrete ? see the concrete frame of one stadium rising in the Bronx over former parkland and another one of steel ascending over parking spaces beside Shea Stadium. ?This place is so big, so wide open now, but when it?s filled with grass and seats, it will envelop you,? said Jeff Wilpon, the chief operating officer of the Mets, as he walked through the Citi Field site during a recent tour. Behind him, Shea remains, a vestige of an unadventurous period in sports architecture. ?A dull, dingy place,? Wilpon said. In his office, Wilpon keeps a miniature replica of Ebbets Field, a daily reminder of the architectural muse of Citi Field. It includes the rotunda through which Brooklyn Dodgers fans, including his father, Fred, the Mets? principal owner, used to enter. He removed the tiny rotunda piece from the rest of the model and said, ?Fred can tell us how it used to smell in there.? A reimagined rotunda, which will be named for Jackie Robinson, is also beginning to take shape; so is the footprint of the Great Hall, a meeting place, among other things, through which many of the fans visiting the new Yankee Stadium will enter. It will stand 60 feet high and span left field to right field, along 161st Street, from Jerome Avenue to River Avenue. ?It will be unparalleled, similar in scope to the Grand Central Station waiting room,? said Valerie Peltier, a managing director for development of Tishman Speyer, on a tour of the Yankee Stadium site last week. Tishman Speyer is overseeing construction of the $800 million stadium. Jerry Speyer, the company?s president, is on the board of Yankee Global Enterprises. Executives from each team said that they were not competing with each other over who would have the better ballpark. It is almost enough that the deals were made, with city and state contributions for infrastructure and other nonconstruction costs, to let the teams build new ballparks. Since 1991, 18 new major league stadiums have been built. ?After nothing happening for 15 or 20 years, it?s all happening here in the same time period,? said Dave Howard, an executive vice president of the Mets. Beside the ballparks, the Devils? arena in Newark is nearly done, the Jets and the Giants are planning construction of their shared Meadowlands stadium, and the Nets hope to start building their arena in Brooklyn soon. The first level of the steel structure in Flushing is nearly in place, with yellow caution tape flapping in the wind, affording a raw view of a design fiat: fans will be able to see the field nearly anywhere they walk along the 40-foot-wide concourses, except from behind the Sterling luxury boxes that are 18 rows from field level, a club on the Promenade level and a restaurant in left field. ?In the old stadiums, nobody thought about that,? Wilpon said. Three levels of concrete structure are in various stages of completion at the new Yankee Stadium, more along right field than left. Rakers, 40-foot pieces of steel onto which the seats will be installed, will be arriving next week. A crane to handle the steel is being assembled. The construction already obscures a portion of the rusted elevated train tracks and takes place around a New York City Transit substation that will eventually be blocked by the giant outfield scoreboard. Nascent dugouts are visible in little excavations several feet below field level across a rocky landscape from which 350 cubic yards of dirt were removed before construction began. The future site of Monument Park is below a platform that supports several office trailers. ?The most interesting thing to me,? said Lonn Trost, the chief operating officer of the Yankees, looking over the site, ?is to take the tradition of Yankee Stadium, replicate it here, and provide fans with something new.? The new stadium will have the same field dimensions as the current one, with more seats angled to the infield. It will also resurrect the original exterior with limestone, concrete and granite, and recreate the frieze that ringed the stadium, with 39 sections of white-painted steel weighing six tons each, to be made in Quebec. The new frieze should not turn green in the air, as did the old copper one, which was removed in the 1974-5 stadium renovation. Some of the 24,000 pieces of precast concrete that will comprise the Citi Field exterior are already in Flushing, some weighing 1,000 pounds. The front of each piece is covered with bricks, which are sliced lengthwise to reduce the weight yet create the impression of a brick facade. It is so different in architectural ambition and style from the original Shea design of blue and orange tiles arranged over exposed ramps. ?By the end of this season, most of the exterior facade will be in place,? Howard said. ?It will look like the virtual model we have online.? Shea still serves a purpose, beyond housing the Mets for two more seasons, and it is not simply to underscore the limits of the dual-purpose stadiums. Inside an unused section of the World?s Fair-era hulk, the Mets have built a showroom that depicts what the 10 Sterling and 40 Excelsior luxury suites will look like (the former will have bathrooms modeled on the Four Seasons restaurant?s). Various types of seats can be tested for comfort. The team is also using the showroom to assess carpeting, tile, color and other design schemes ? Jeff Wilpon, who grew up in the family?s real estate development business, can offer a spiel about terrazzo floors ? for the suites, clubhouses and concourses. The concourses may have glazed wall tile. ?I want to know what we?ve designed before we sell it,? Wilpon said. The $600 million stadium will reflect its era, as its predecessor did. Shea?s opening was envisioned for 1962, the Mets? inaugural season, but after delays, it took about two more years to complete. The original Yankee Stadium took an astonishingly quick 284 days to finish in time, providing the team with a home of its own after being told to leave the Polo Grounds. ?How often do you get to build Yankee Stadium?? Peltier said. ?Never.? Well, almost.

Maybe somebody could email him to stop emotionally abusing the fans in South Florida. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/conte...notes_0501.html Mets build stadium while Marlins wait By Joe Capozzi Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Tuesday, May 01, 2007 NEW YORK - From their seats in the Marlins' dugout before Monday's game, owner Jeffrey Loria and team President David Samson gazed at the concrete walls and girders of the Mets' new ballpark rising beyond Shea Stadium's outfield walls. They hope to see a similar sight in downtown Miami in a couple of years. First, the Florida state Senate this week must approve a $60 million sales tax rebate to make up the final piece of financing needed for the Marlins' planned $490 million ballpark. Senate leaders have said the issue is dead, but the Marlins are holding out hope it will pass before the session adjourns Friday. Samson would not comment when asked about the measure's chances of passing. "I will definitely talk after the session ends,'' he said. On Shea Stadium's third deck, the Mets have erected a granite-and-brick sales office for Citi Field, a 45,000-capacity ballpark scheduled to open in 2009. The sales office includes seats, brick and carpet samples for the new ballpark and screens that provide virtual views from each location. The new ballpark will look similar to Ebbets Field, home of the old Brooklyn Dodgers. The Jackie Robinson rotunda, the new ballpark's main entrance, has taken form with the structural beams in place. Beams to support the scoreboard also are visible. And the structure of the first deck is on schedule to be complete by June. Home plate already is marked on the field, which is filled with construction equipment. Citi Field will have 54 luxury suites, up from 45 at Shea Stadium. The Mets hope to host the All-Star Game at the ballpark in 2012 or 2013.

http://www.miamiherald.com/884/story/88269.html MIAMI-DADE TRANSIT Metrorail line clears hurdle Miami-Dade County has received approval to start acquiring 114 parcels it needs to build a 9.5-mile Metrorail line, while continuing to compete for more than $800 million in construction funds from Washington for the project. BY Admin LEBOWITZ llebowitz@MiamiHerald.com Miami-Dade Transit cleared a major milestone Thursday for the development of the first new Metrorail line since the original one opened in 1984. Transit received federal permission to start acquiring 114 parcels of land along Northwest 27th Avenue for the 9.5-mile North Corridor extension. Estimated cost of the land: $176 million. The line would run from 82nd Street to the Broward County line, making stops at Calder Race Course, Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, Opa-locka and the Miami Dade College North Campus. Most of the land would be acquired with local and state funds over the next three years from willing sellers and then through eminent domain takings, said Transit deputy director Albert Hernandez. ''This is a major victory, one that's been a long time coming,'' said county Commissioner Barbara Jordan, who represents a large portion of the corridor. "It really assures that this is going to happen.'' But Federal Transit Administration officials warn that Thursday's decision doesn't mean the North Corridor is a done deal yet. Miami-Dade is asking the FTA for nearly 60 percent, or more than $800 million, of the project's estimated $1.37 billion cost. The balance would be split by the state and Miami-Dade -- with the county share coming from the half-cent sales tax that voters approved in 2002. The cost includes concrete and steel for the elevated guideways, seven stations with 4,300 parking spaces and 36 new railcars. Miami-Dade is competing with dozens of U.S. communities that are seeking federal New Starts funds to finance new mass transit dreams or extend existing rail and subway lines. Only a handful of new projects are selected each year because the projects are so expensive, they take years to build and federal funds are limited. ''It's a significant milestone, but it in no way signifies our commitment to funding of the project,'' Sean Libberton, chief analyst at the FTA's office of planning and environment, said of Thursday's decision. In February, Libberton's staff gave the North Corridor a ''Medium'' rating during its annual ranking of all U.S.transit projects seeking New Starts funds. But analysts threatened to give the North Corridor a ''Low'' rating unless the county can do a better job proving that the expanded system will take in enough money to justify its costs. The Miami-Dade request is extremely large even by federal standards. ''It's rare when the program provides for the funding level that Miami-Dade Transit is requesting,'' Libberton said. But later in the interview, he added: "We think [the North Corridor] is a project that has real merit and we're going to work with Miami-Dade Transit to help it advance.'' Transit hopes to have a funding deal in place by mid-2009 so construction could start in 2010 and the line could open in late 2014. If it is built, the North Corridor is expected to act as an economic development catalyst for financially strapped communities such as Opa-locka and Miami Gardens. According to the 2000 Census, 26 percent of households in the corridor have incomes below the poverty level. It also would provide a new alternative for thousands of South Broward commuters. One day, passengers could make a one-train trip from Calder Race Course to Dadeland South. Trains could run every 6 ? minutes during peak hours. The county is building a $523 million, 2.4-mile link from Earlington Heights to the MIC that they hope to open by 2011. ''Today we cleared a major hurdle in expanding our Metrorail system,'' said Mayor Carlos Alvarez. "It was a priority of the people when they approved the half penny surtax. I am looking forward to working with staff to get the project done.'' But that line to the airport is a whole other matter.

http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_5757239 Hennepin OKs Twins stadium deals, but fight continues over land sale BY EMILY GURNON Pioneer Press Article Last Updated: 04/26/2007 02:45:39 PM CDT Hennepin County signed off today on several deals related to the Twins ballpark, including a 30-year lease with the team and approval for the issuance of $350 million in sales tax revenue bonds. The actions cap months of questions about whether the $522 million ballpark project would move forward. "For the first time, I think we can actually schedule a groundbreaking, or at least think about it," said Jerry Bell, president of Twins Sports Inc. But the battle over the acquisition of the ballpark land continues - in court. During a meeting in Hennepin County District Judge Stephen Aldrich's courtroom this morning among attorneys for the county and the landowners, County Attorney Mike Freeman likened the upcoming eminent domain proceedings to combat. It will be "World War III in the condemnation process," Freeman said. He asked the judge for a four- to six-week delay in the deadline for each side to submit its appraisal of the property. The appraisals are due May 8. The following week, the two sides will meet for a hearing with the three condemnation commissioners, those appointed by the court to come up with a fair market value for the land. With the Twins now a "significant financial participant in this process," the county and the team need more time to present a united case, Freeman said. That involves deciding which experts will testify and what particular testimony to present, he said. "I guess there is sort of an invasion here, isn't it?" Aldrich said, referring to the taking of the land. Land Partners II, who represent the largest landowners of the eight-acre site, have not opposed the condemnation, but want the process to move forward without delay. The actions taken by the county commissioners include a grant agreement between the county and the Minnesota Ballpark Authority for financing and construction of the stadium; a development agreement among the county, the authority and the Twins regarding the construction and site acquisition process; a baseball playing and use agreement to provide for the management, operation, maintenance and use of the ballpark when it's completed; and a 30-year lease for the team. Three commissioners said they were still opposed to the way the ballpark is being financed - with two-thirds of the cost coming from a 0.15 percent sales tax in Hennepin County that was not approved by voters. "There's too much public money in this, and not enough private money," said Commissioner Gail Dorfman, "and it's not a good deal for the taxpayers."

What I hope to see happen: Fl. Senate votes on the House bill AS IS and the vote to be very close What might actually happen: Fl. Senate amends the bill and sends it back to the House. House Speaker might be forced to send that amended bill back to committee, depending on what new language is put in there. This easily sends us into crunch time and that famous marathon session. Boy oh boy!

I rarely get political on this forum but I am going to chime in for this instance. You see, I can understand why there is some confusion as to whether to call opposition to public financing (which is different to funding...yeah, semantics and all) of sports facilities construction according to the traditional political orientation. I think that the issue of public financing (or funding) of stadia is one of the few political issues where the division is NOT along straight party or ideological lines. This actually reminds me of those debates dealing with trade until very recently. The divergence is one where local district interests matter much more than party or group interests. Supporters and opponents can be found at all sides of the spectrum. Perhaps at the most hardcore of the ideologies are where you'd find the most opposition, mostly due to the perception by the same individuals of the government being too intertwined with special interests, be they sports leagues, construction unions, financial institutions, bond traders, etc.. As you move towards the center that's where you'd find degrees of support (or lack of immediate dismissal, however you want to call it), depending on the region. For example, you had degrees of support in cities such as liberal Detroit and conservative San Diego. But you also had intense opposition in both cities as well. Also, the bigger the city, the greater is the resistance to public monies going to sports facilities construction. For example, Los Angeles is very resistant to this practice. What usually happens is that private sector monies are used in lieu of public dollars. The Staples Center was built primarily with funds from private investors. Same with Dodger Stadium. Finally, save for spring training in February and March, Florida is a football state, well ahead of every other sport.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/politics/cont...adium_0423.html Marlins' pitch for stadium cash apt to fall short By S.V. D?te Palm Beach Post Capital Bureau Monday, April 23, 2007 TALLAHASSEE ? On a seven-year losing skid but starting with their best prospects ever for a second $60 million subsidy for a new baseball stadium, the Florida Marlins are yet again down to the late innings in the spring legislative session with the outcome in jeopardy. "I think it's a dead issue," Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster said last week of the chamber's newest sports subsidy plan. "I don't expect it'll be back up." With two weeks to go, though, supporters and opponents agree that anything can still happen with a proposal that, despite some passionate beliefs on both sides, is ultimately a minor issue in the scheme of things. On Friday, in fact, just days after Webster's pronouncement, an undeterred House committee approved the Marlins subsidy bill, leaving it just one step from that chamber's floor. And in the Senate, sponsor Rudy Garcia, R-Hialeah, said he has no plans to abandon the idea. "I will continue to work harder for the people of Florida and economic development," Garcia said. Yet the Marlins' best hope could be cheerleading from the governor's office, now occupied by a former college quarterback whose first job out of law school was in minor-league baseball. "I come to it with a bias. I have to admit that upfront," Gov. Charlie Crist said. "Sports is a great outlet for our people. Not everybody loves their job during the day. And to have an outlet like that is a healthy thing, I think." Against Crist's optimism, though, the Marlins face the reality of a tight budget year that would see lawmakers helping billionaire sports team owners while slashing services for mentally retarded children. "We're doing this at a time where we've lost a billion dollars in our budget, we're cutting developmentally disabled, we're decreasing payments to social services, we've flushed $100 million out of our transportation fund," said Rep. Susan Bucher, D-West Palm Beach, in the House committee Friday. "I cannot support your bill." Economic benefit disputed For years, proponents have pitched the idea of a new Marlins subsidy as a way to encourage growth in the Miami economy, which in turn would generate more in new tax revenue each year than the $2 million annual cost to taxpayers. But that theory has been disputed year after year in analyses by the state's Revenue Estimating Conference, the four economists who work for the legislature and the governor. Their take - which aligns with academic studies done during the past four decades - is that sports stadiums for professional teams bring negligible economic benefit because the attendance base is the local area. In contrast to spring training parks, which lure out-of-state tourists who might not have come to Florida otherwise, regular-season pro teams by and large attract local fans. And these people do not take on second jobs, dip into savings or cut into spending on nontaxable items, such as groceries or medicine, to attend sporting events. That means the money they would spend for tickets, food and parking is money that is probably already being spent at restaurants, movies or other taxable activities. Marlins advocates nonetheless continue the claims. "I still believe it's an economic development issue," said Senate sponsor Garcia. House sponsor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami, agrees that baseball fans are not likely to take money out of their savings or their grocery budgets to purchase tickets. He said he does not know where they would find the money, other than "disposable income that hasn't been spent yet ... an extra $20 in their pocket that they just happen to carry around in their wallet." Proposal to spread wealth The main problem for the Marlins through the years has been that the team owner who received the first $2 million annual subsidy the legislature awarded for a stadium has since sold the Marlins but kept the stadium. The subsidy that began in 1993 will continue to flow to initial Marlins owner H. Wayne Huizenga's Dolphin Stadium for 16 more years, whether the Marlins stay there, move to a new Florida stadium or even leave the state. Lawmakers from other parts of the state haven't been willing to give the Marlins a second subsidy if their own local teams were not getting a second one - which is how the idea to double every pro team's subsidy to $4 million started winning more support this year. The idea originally was crafted by former Tampa Bay Lightning lobbyist Brian Ballard last spring. But in a session when lawmakers are talking about cutting programs for developmentally disabled people to save tens of millions of dollars and limiting enrollment in the state's health insurance program for poor children to save $12 million, many legislators started worrying about supporting nine sports teams with an extra $18 million a year for 30 years. That concern led to the latest version of a proposed sports subsidy this year from the Senate, a one-time cash payout of $32.6 million each for three teams: the Marlins, the Orlando Magic and the Lightning. Reducing the state's obligation while spreading the wealth regionally might muster the votes to pass. And the lump-sum money would let the owners of the arenas pay for construction without the trouble of selling bonds and would keep the state from being locked into "recurring" costs for the next three decades. Webster said the payments are in line with the Senate "Building Florida's Future" philosophy of stimulating the economy with construction projects. He said he concurs with a Senate study two years ago that said stadium construction does not bring anywhere near as much economic benefit as school, hospital or road construction. "I don't think anything stacks up against, say, a revenue-producing road," he said, adding that he thinks it unlikely either the lump-sum idea or the $2 million-a-year plan could get through the Senate this year. Crist, though, said he is not ready to give up hope. "Maybe we can do a little less," he said last week, suggesting a smaller subsidy or even an entirely different concept. "Maybe we can come up with something new."

Perhaps a date with the popcorn machine is in order. Ah, who knows? Maybe Cape's scenario would do the trick. Maybe not.

I just want to say that if you find it offensive to see renderings of yet another team's new park while the Marlins languish in getting theirs, you may turn away or go to another thread. I'm hopeful most won't mind, though. :mischief At least I'm giving you a heads-up... Sorry I had to do this but you'd understand. http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/5711/eventlevelplanix4.jpg http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/5048/viewlevelplancn4.jpg http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/8038/siteplanwp2.jpg http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/5808/citysiteplanut3.jpg Local story on the unveiling, including a video: http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_102120223.html

Perhaps this article would give us a clue: http://www.miamiherald.com/460/story/66347.html FLORIDA MARLINS Downtown park site is 'sole focus,' Marlins say Florida Marlins team owner Jeffrey Loria said he'd prefer his team not play in a new stadium at the Orange Bowl site. BY CHARLES RABIN AND BARRY JACKSON crabin@MiamiHerald.com Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said before the team's home opener at Dolphin Stadium Friday night he wants a new stadium in downtown Miami rather than the historic Orange Bowl site. A downtown setting ''would be much more beneficial for the franchise and the fans,'' said Loria. "It's very easy to get to. We must get it done. It's been lagging too long.'' Added team President David Samson, "Our sole focus is completing a deal downtown.'' The team's stance drew a mixed response from Miami-Dade County leaders who had focused on the Orange Bowl site during a lengthy discussion last month, and Tallahassee legislators who still must pass a bill to give the team $30 million to complete the funding. Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Bruno Barreiro said he's concerned with Loria's statement. ''We're just trying to get money from the state. That's our No. 1 goal right now,'' said Barreiro. "We're going to do what we can do, and they'll have to make a decision. We can't get distracted by the site issue.'' Commissioner Carlos Gimenez, though, was willing to bend. Last month he was one of the strongest advocates for the Orange Bowl site. Now, after studying transportation issues, he says it's no longer his first option. ''For me, I think baseball would work better in an urban, downtown site,'' he said. State Rep. David Rivera, the man who controls the flow of legislation for House Speaker Marco Rubio, said there might be a lack of consensus to build at the Orange Bowl. Then he offered a possible alternative -- also downtown. ''My guess is the delegation would prefer Bayfront over any other site. That's based on informal discussions. It's a beautiful site. Imagine home runs getting hit into Biscayne Bay,'' Rivera said. State Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, who is sponsoring the bill in the house, said it's up to the city of Miami and the county to decide where to build a home for the Marlins. ''We're only concerned with keeping the team in South Florida,'' he said. DECADE-LONG QUEST Over the past two months it looked as if the team's decade-long quest to build a stadium was inching nearer. County Manager George Burgess unveiled a sweeping, $490 million plan in February to build a 37,000 seat, domed stadium with 60 suites on nine acres of land directly north of Government Center. The plan calls for the county to pony up $307 million, with the Marlins repaying the county $162 million through gate receipts and concessions. The team would chip in another $45 million, and the city of Miami would spend $108 million. The county would own the stadium. In March the county commission voted to send the plan to Tallahassee, once again in search of the elusive $30 million that the team needs -- the same money the legislature has failed to award it year after year. Since then, lawmakers have responded by drafting bills in the House and Senate to provide the funding. But the March commission vote came with a caveat: It wasn't site-specific. With commissioners expressing concerns over the downtown site, the focus shifted almost immediately to the Orange Bowl. One of the major problems with the downtown site, commissioners noted, is that there are plans to build a long-sought Children's Courthouse on the land. Even Burgess had said he would kill his own site plan for the ballpark if a new place for the courthouse could not be found. The downtown site is bordered by Government Center to the south, the Metrorail on the east, Northwest Fourth Street to the north and Miami police headquarters to the west. The Orange Bowl, too, has issues. The University of Miami Hurricanes -- flirting with moving the football team to Dolphin Stadium in the next year or two -- still plays there. The 70-year-old structure would have to be torn down to build the Marlins a park. The university is expected to make its decision on moving north in about a month. CHANGE IN STANCE The Marlins' comments Friday were a departure from their past position. Over the years, team President Samson has downplayed the issue of location, calling any site preferable to the team abandoning South Florida. But Friday Samson said ''having a downtown site makes sense,'' because of transportation issues and because it would be easy for fans to walk to the ballpark. Loria said Friday he wouldn't discuss playing at the Orange Bowl: "I'm focused on downtown.'' The Marlins' lease with Dolphin Stadium ends after 2010. The earliest a new stadium could be opened is 2011. Dolphins Stadium owner Wayne Huizenga has said he wouldn't ask the Marlins to leave if a new stadium wasn't built in time. Ultimately, it's up to the county commission to decide on where the stadium will be built. Miami Herald staff writers Yudy Pineiro, Ani Martinez and Marc Caputo contributed to this report. ''My guess is the delegation would prefer Bayfront over any other site. That's based on informal discussions. It's a beautiful site. Imagine home runs getting hit into Biscayne Bay,'' Rivera said. Hmmm... :mischief2 Yeah, I realize that it's a guess on his part and not a real plan but I doubt that idea is going to go anywhere, just like the other sites looked at so far. Why not somewhere between I-395 and I-195? Might as well try that one since they have already entertained the OB idea at least twice already.

Is it me or does this feel like a case of deja vu all over again? :mischief2 http://www.palmbeachpost.com/politics/cont...tadiumfeed.html Officials work on funding plans for Marlins stadium By Charles Elmore Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Thursday, April 05, 2007 The Florida Marlins, who are preparing for Friday's home opener, don't expect the state to decide whether to pay $60 million to help fund a new stadium until the legislative equivalent of the ninth inning. "It's touch and go," a team official said Thursday. "We won't know until May." Given recent history, it wouldn't be a big surprise if the question wasn't resolved until May 4, the conclusion of the 60-day legislative session. Oddly enough, if state money is approved after years of failure, the news might arrive before the Marlins know exactly where a $490 million, retractable-roof stadium would be built. Miami and Miami-Dade County have approved a baseball financing plan for a site "to be determined." The Orange Bowl site has surpassed downtown as the leading contender for a 37,000-seat facility. The University of Miami Hurricanes are considering playing their football games in Dolphin Stadium, the current leased home of the Marlins. The Little Havana setting of the Orange Bowl appears to be where the largest bloc of county and city commissioners wants the Marlins to go. Even as they seek to accommodate a new Marlins stadium, Miami commissioners are grappling with ways to rehab the Orange Bowl itself for the Hurricanes. There probably will not be enough money to spend on two buildings. For years, attempts to secure state money for a baseball stadium have collapsed at the last minute. This year brings higher hopes for the club: Gov. Charlie Crist has supported a stadium from the start. House Speaker Marco Rubio, R?Miami, is an enthusiastic backer, and top Senate leadership has not opposed it. Marlins stadium bills advanced through Senate and House committees without much trouble early in the session. But fervor for the stadium could wane as legislators are forced to make tough choices about education and social spending in a slowing economy. Another issue: The Marlins already got $60 million from the state to retrofit Dolphin Stadium for baseball. The state's eight other pro franchises might also want their second bite of the apple, and at least one competing bill would give them that. Two lawmakers have proposed requiring voter approval by referendum of any stadium spending. That idea might not have enough votes to pass, but it signals some pockets of skepticism about spending on the Marlins. Under a financing plan approved in early March, Miami-Dade County would contribute $145 million in hotel bad taxes. The city would pledge $108 million in hotel and tourist taxes. The Marlins promise $207 million, mostly in the form of rent payments. The club also would cover cost overruns. That leaves the state to pitch in $60 million to cover $30 million in construction bonds. And probably means another legislative contest not decided until late in the game.

This comes as no surprise to those of us who have been following the events... http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/070322/story7.shtml Redevelopment agency won't help fund stadium, county official says By Dan Dolan The Overtown-Park West Community Redevelopment Agency won't be used as a piggybank to help fund construction of a $490 million baseball stadium in downtown Miami, Assistant County Manager Ian Yorty said last week. "Between the City of Miami and the county, we feel we have the capacity in tourist bed-tax dollars to fund the project," said Mr. Yorty, spearheading the county administration's negotiations with the Marlins and Major League Baseball. "We feel we can achieve our goals without CRA funding." That's good news for officials and civic leaders who support plans to build the stadium on nine acres of government-owned land north of the county's Stephen P. Clark Center on Northwest Third Street. County commissioners and Miami city officials have threatened to torpedo the proposal if community redevelopment cash is needed to build the 37,000-seat retractable-roof stadium the Florida Marlins want. After Miami Mayor Manny Diaz proposed tapping CRA funds two months ago, outraged county and city officials revived the Orange Bowl as an alternative site. Mr. Yorty said the spat over use of community redevelopment money is a tempest in a teapot. Even though Miami City Manager Pedro "Pete" Hernandez has publicly said that community redevelopment agencies would contribute $15 million to stadium financing, Mr. Yorty said using existing Overtown-Park West funds was never part of the plan. "Under the existing life of the CRA, it will not generate significant dollars for any project," Mr. Yorty said. "In relation to the baseball stadium, it was never conceived that the CRA would provide any existing revenues for funding the project." Mr. Yorty said that could change after 2016, when the agency is scheduled to be terminated. When the agency's mandate expires, the county and the city could bring it back to life and expand its sphere, he said. "Mr. Hernandez' $15 million figure was a target developed during an exercise to determine what would be the economic impact if we extended the CRA's life, expanded its boundaries and had the stadium as an anchor to accelerate other investment in the area," Mr. Yorty said. "There was never any intention to take away money from other projects, including the construction of affordable housing. With tourist-tax dollars, which can only be used for projects like a stadium, we feel we have identified an appropriate revenue and funding source." Mr. Yorty said the county is negotiating key clauses of a stadium deal. "We're working on a guarantee that ties the team to the ballpark and ensures that they'll play in Miami for at least the terms of the public debt on the stadium," Mr. Yorty said. "We're also working out a cost-run provision that will minimize the county's exposure to rising prices." Under the current proposal, the county would own and finance a stadium, but the Marlins would build it. The team has indicated it would absorb any costs above the current $490 million price tag, which includes interest on construction loans. Mr. Yorty said the county wants an ironclad guarantee that it would not be stuck with the tab. Three bills that would give the Marlins a $60 million sales-tax rebate over 30 years are progressing through the Legislature. Local officials say a tax break is key to stadium construction.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-cma...la-sports-front Miami backs county on new Marlins park By Sarah Talalay South Florida Sun-Sentinel Posted March 9 2007 Miami ? Following the lead of Miami-Dade County commissioners, the Miami City Commission voted unanimously Thursday to support a $490 million plan to fund a ballpark for the Florida Marlins somewhere in Miami and expressed support for placing it on the site of the Orange Bowl. Earlier this week, county commissioners raised the idea of a ballpark at the Orange Bowl if the University of Miami moves its football games to Dolphin Stadium. City commissioners said they liked the idea, but approved allowing Miami City Manager Pete Hernandez to negotiate the details of a financing plan without nailing down a specific location. A formal plan is expected by the end of April. City commissioners and Mayor Manny Diaz said they hope the vote will convince the state Legislature to approve a $60 million state sales tax rebate to close the financing gap. Bills that would provide the rebate are making their way through the Legislature. "I think the state ought to take this as a strong resolution from the local governments down here that we're very supportive, we want a stadium here, we want them to finish the last piece in Tallahassee," Diaz said. The idea of the Orange Bowl surfaced when officials learned UM is considering a move to Dolphin Stadium. That decision isn't expected until late April or early May, as the city is still determining if it can finance a major renovation of the Orange Bowl that Hernandez estimates could cost $170 million. The city has $84 million and is exploring other revenue sources. Several county commissioners said they favored the Orange Bowl location over a site north of the county government center, east of Interstate and west of Metrorail, which they said was too small and would mean finding a new location for a planned Children's Courthouse. City, county and Marlins officials spoke in 2004 and 2005 about building a ballpark next to the Orange Bowl, but those talks broke off. City Commissioner Tomas Regalado said he proposed the Orange Bowl for a ballpark six years ago, and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff said a ballpark rather than six college football games "makes sense" for the city. The Marlins play 81 home games a season. Commissioners appeared to send the message they prefer the Marlins to the Hurricanes, but Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones said she would like to see both projects completed. "The Hurricanes have been a long-standing staple in Miami," Spence-Jones said. "It would be great if we can include both, but I think the issue is coming down to cost and what it's really going to cost to rehab the Orange Bowl." The ballpark proposal calls for the Marlins to contribute $207 million mainly in rent payments; the county to chip in $145 million in hotel bed taxes; and the city to contribute $108 million in hotel bed and tourist development taxes. The $60 million state sales tax rebate would cover the remainder. Sarah Talalay can be reached at stalalay@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4173.

You see, from the 'Canes' standpoint, I don't see how it would make sense for football to move to Joe Robbie. Yes, I understand that the OB is in bad shape. Yet, I doubt Shalala would really want to approve moving football games further away from campus. Then again, I didn't expect the program to move out of the Big (L)East. I think they're staying put.

Sensing the votes were not there for the downtown site, Commission Chairman Bruno Barreiro suggested changing the funding plan to be non-site-specific. Diaz complied. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the sales tax rebate awarded to the building instead of the team? Or did they change it and now will be awarded to the Marlins, no matter where they play? That part at least is not changed. It will still be the building and not the club. I've learned to not get emotional either way. Perhaps we'll hear of yet another different plan by month's end. You know, why haven't they looked at the area between I-195 and I-395? At least it would be close to the waterfront, even if it's not the best neighborhood. In a way, I could see some validity to the OB idea, in that I could see why some in city government would question the viability of having an extra football venue in the metropolitan area in the long run, since the Dolphins aren't moving back in anytime soon. On the other hand, where would the immigrant soccer matches go? :whistle

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dw...er.39d7fdf.html First, the Orange Bowl game no longer being played at the original Orange Bowl. Now the Cotton Bowl game doing the same. There's a possibility that OU-Texas may follow suit. Change is picking up fast.

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/spo...mi/16824840.htm UM FOOTBALL UM considers move from Orange Bowl to Dolphin Stadium The University of Miami is considering a change of venue if a deal can't be reached to renovate the Orange Bowl -- its home for the past 70 years. BY BARRY JACKSON bjackson@MiamiHerald.com The University of Miami is strongly considering moving its football games to Dolphin Stadium, according to several UM and Dolphins officials with knowledge of the conversations, and a decision about whether to leave the Orange Bowl is expected within the next three months. UM's lease with the Orange Bowl runs through 2009, but there's a possibility the Hurricanes could leave a year or two earlier if a deal with Dolphin Stadium is struck, one official briefed on the situation said. UM definitely will play next season at the OB, where it has played since the stadium opened in 1937. Discussions with Dolphin Stadium are serious and ongoing, but no agreement has been reached and UM officials intend to continue meeting with the city of Miami about proposed Orange Bowl renovations. Two officials cautioned that the city still has a chance to keep the Hurricanes if it can somehow bridge a funding gap of at least $84 million to pay for stadium upgrades. But the city is still exploring potential ways to do that and hasn't made a proposal to UM. Dolphin Stadium has offered a viable financial package. That, combined with the large funding gap on the OB project, has left several key UM and Dolphin Stadium officials believing there's a good chance the Hurricanes will move to Dolphin Stadium, barring a sudden turn of events, several officials said. The decision ultimately will be made by university president Donna Shalala, who previously informed key members of UM's Board of Trustees that negotiations had been held with Dolphin Stadium. Shalala declined to comment Friday, but UM representative Margot Winick said, "We have been working with the city to explore renovation plans with the Orange Bowl. At the same time, we have an obligation to consider all options that would provide our fans and team with a high-quality facility.'' UM has been working with the city of Miami to fund Orange Bowl improvements for several years, but delays and rising costs of renovations have caused UM to consider a move to Dolphin Stadium more seriously than at any previous time, the officials said. One person close to the negotiations said UM projected that its athletic department could make a $4 million annual profit by moving to Dolphin Stadium -- much higher than if it stays at the Orange Bowl. BIG FUNDING GAP Miami city manager Pete Hernandez said he's aware the University of Miami has been considering Dolphin Stadium, but that the city is trying to come up with a way to finance the stadium upgrades, which would include structural repairs; building new suites, restrooms, concession areas; and installing a new scoreboard and some chair-back seats, among other improvements. The city has identified $84 million toward the project -- including $50 million from a county bond issue -- but the renovations are expected to cost more than twice that. ''There's a big gap,'' Hernandez said. "We're looking at the revenue streams to see what we can do. I'm optimistic. There are ways it can be done. Within 45 to 60 days, we'll have an idea of the viability of this.'' Hernandez has said a ''minor contribution'' from UM would be expected to fund the gap. The issue, though, is how much the city has available to give for sports facilities. The city announced last week that it would offer $108 million toward a Marlins stadium from new tourist tax dollars and from tourist tax money previously allocated to Miami Arena. After Marlins stadium talks with the city broke down two years ago, then-city manager Joe Arriola said he wanted to use some of that money toward OB renovations instead. Is it possible the city won't be able to come up with the money for OB renovations -- a scenario that several Dolphin Stadium people expect will be reality? ''There's always that possibility, but we're not even thinking about that,'' Hernandez said, adding the city is exploring whether the costs can be reduced. "I know they have to consider all their options. It's a business, after all.'' TIME RUNNING OUT Hernandez declined to disclose potential ideas to fill the funding gap, but has said any such scenario likely would require city commission approval. But the clock is ticking. Hernandez said UM told him it wants resolution by June, but an official close to the situation said the Hurricanes would prefer it be resolved within 60 days. Hernandez said he hasn't met with UM officials in three weeks and doesn't know when the next meeting will happen, although he expects it will be soon. Associates of Shalala said in past years, she has expressed a preference to stay at the Orange Bowl partly because it's closer to campus than Dolphin Stadium. She also was concerned about the possibility of sharing Dolphin Stadium with the Marlins, but that concern would be allayed if the baseball team gets a new stadium, which appears closer than at any time in recent years. Wayne Huizenga, who owns Dolphin Stadium, declined to discuss efforts to lure the Hurricanes. But Dolphin Stadium officials are known to have interest. Dolphin Stadium seats 75,540 -- compared with the Orange Bowl's 72,883. UM has said that the Orange Bowl capacity would shrink to about 62,500 if renovations are made. Without UM, the Orange Bowl's future would be uncertain. The stadium, which lost the Dolphins in 1987 and the Orange Bowl Classic in 1996, also plays host to high school football and international soccer games, among other events.

I have re-read the memo Miami-Dade sent out from yesterday. Right towards the bottom of the third page, they mentioned that the Children's Courthouse was to be built on the north side of NW 3rd St., which would suggest to me that that portion would be included for the ballpark. So why would Local 10 say that NW 3rd St. is the northern boundary I have no idea. Perhaps (and it's a speculation of mine) they need that section to stage the construction or to built a platform for a moving roof and the main building itself right south of NW 3rd St.. Another question (and it's not really my business, as I don't live in the area) is why the county/city would be willing to give away that little park section? Perhaps for the free views that would be afforded? :mischief2

http://www.local10.com/news/11144134/detail.html New Marlins Stadium 'Looking As Good As It Ever Has' POSTED: 9:38 am EST March 1, 2007 MIAMI -- For the past five years, the Florida Marlins have tried to get the state Legislature to help fund a new stadium but have struck out every time. Now, there's a new stadium plan in place that just might get the go-ahead. State Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami, is the main sponsor of the Marlins stadium bill in the House, where the leadership is finally inclined to make a sizable contribution -- about $30 million. "I think it's looking as good as it ever has," he told Local 10's Michael Putney on Wednesday. That's in part because of the fact that first-year Gov. Charlie Crist has said if a new deal is structured to his liking, he could support it when the legislative session begins. "Well, that never hurts," Lopez-Cantera said. The proposed stadium would be shoehorned into a 9-acre site bordered by Northwest Third Street to the north, Miami Police Department headquarters and Interstate 95 to the west, a metrorail track to the east and the government center to the south. If the stadium were built at the proposed site, some things would have to go, including a city park where home plate likely would be and a child-care center. That didn't sit too well with two of the child-care center employees when told of the news. Nor did it sit well with one lawmaker who questions why taxpayers' dollars would go towards a $490 million stadium when public works projects like storm sewers and lift stations or meals for the elderly might be sacrificed because of falling sales tax revenues. "We're talking about property taxes and we're talking about insurance, and here we're not funding things that will help protect those homes," state Rep. Ronald Brise, D-Miami, said. "And then when you compare that to a stadium, I think we're dealing with apples and caviar." At least one obstacle to the proposed stadium site has been solved. Chief Judge Joe Farina told Putney an alternative site has been found for a children's courthouse, which is supposed to be built where the stadium might end up. The proposed stadium would be shoehorned into a 9-acre site bordered by Northwest Third Street to the north, Miami Police Department headquarters and Interstate 95 to the west, a metrorail track to the east and the government center to the south. I don't think that is correct. I thought that the site comprises the block to the south of NW 3rd AND the block to the north of NW 3rd. Unless the plan is to use THAT block as a staging area for construction. They could, theoretically, use the open area just west of NW 2nd Ave. as a staging area as well. IDK, this seems to be an even tighter site than I originally thought.

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/070301/story3.shtml County officials still eye community cash for stadium By Dan Dolan Despite a resounding rejection from one local special taxing district, Miami-Dade officials are still eyeing community redevelopment cash to help fund a $500 million baseball stadium for the Florida Marlins in downtown Miami, two county commissioners revealed Tuesday. Commissioners Jose "Pepe" Diaz and Joe Martinez said Miami city officials and county staffers are considering using tax revenue generated by a Community Redevelopment Agency to pay for a new ballpark across the street from the Stephen P. Clark Center on Northwest Third Street. "Creating a stadium CRA is still in negotiation," said Mr. Diaz, the Miami-Dade commission's representative in talks with the Marlins and Major League Baseball. "I don't know any details, so I can't really talk about it. This is a work in progress." Miami Mayor Manny Diaz also was tightlipped on the issue this week. He triggered a firestorm in January with a proposal to apply Overtown Community Redevelopment Agency funds to a stadium project. But the agency's board of directors said the money would be better-spent building housing for low-income families in Overtown and slapped down Mayor Diaz' plan. Now, the board, composed of the Miami City Commission, intends to formalize its opposition to Mr. Diaz' proposal during its next meeting, City Commissioner Tom?s Regalado said. Any attempt to use community development money for a stadium could put the Northwest Third Street site proposal in jeopardy. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson and Mr. Martinez have indicated they'll oppose building a stadium downtown if community redevelopment agency funds are part of the mix. "It's been discussed that some CRA money is ? or was ? being considered to bridge the financing gap," Mr. Martinez said. "It's one thing to use bed taxes and tourist money for a stadium. It's another to use money that can actually help people by providing social services." In a special report on the stadium proposal issued Tuesday, County Manager George Burgess did not mention using community development funds to pay for a $490 million project on 9 acres owned by the county and the city. The tracts are valued at $9 million, not figured into the stadium's price tag. Mr. Burgess said the county's $145 million construction contribution would come from tourist taxes. If a stadium is built, he said, the county could cover its cost by tapping taxes generated by new development in the neighborhood. The City of Miami would kick in $108 million using tourist taxes and funds once earmarked for Miami Arena, he said. The Marlins would have to cough up $45 million and would pay the county $162 million in rent that would cover bonds issued to finance the building. The Marlins would pick up the tab for any cost overruns, he said. Even with those revenue streams in place, Mr. Burgess said, organizers are still $30 million short. He said the shortfall would have to be covered by the state in the form of a tax break. Pepe Diaz said he will introduce legislation formally requesting a state tax break at next week's county commission meeting. He said he also will present updated plans for a 37,000-seat stadium. "My resolution will tell the state we have one site that's the result of hard negotiations," the commissioner said. "We'll tell them the county staff, the City of Miami, the Marlins and Major League Baseball are all on board. I know some of my colleagues who don't know all the details have some reservations. I respect that. But all the details will be made clear in an open forum. I'm hoping they'll support the plan." That may be easier said than done. Mr. Martinez said Mr. Burgess' report only deepened his doubt about the Northwest Third Street location. He said the parcel is too small to hold a stadium ? and bringing fans downtown would increase the city's traffic nightmares. "I want to make it clear that I support keeping the Marlins here. I just don't like the site," Mr. Martinez said. "We're going to have to take away streets to build this thing. "And if that's not bad enough, where are we going to get the parking? We still don't have parking for the performing-arts center, so how are we going to fit baseball in, too?" Mr. Burgess insists parking wouldn't be an issue. His report said Miami has 5,200 parking spaces within three-fourths of a mile of the site. The county owns another 2,000 parking spaces in the neighborhood and is planning to add 580 more, he said. That should be enough to handle fan parking because baseball normally won't compete with daytime business traffic, Mr. Burgess said. He also said the site's rail link will encourage fans to use mass transit. Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez said he's fully committed to the Northwest Third Street site. He said he believes there is enough parking. But he said he is reserving final judgment until funding issues are worked out. Once a deal is signed, Mr. Burgess said, the county and the city wouldn't be able to back out without paying the Marlins a substantial financial penalty. He said the proposal and all revenue sources must be rock-solid before a project is approved by the Miami City Commission and the Miami-Dade County commission. County Commission Chairman Bruno Barreiro said money shouldn't be an issue. He said tourist taxes will generate enough cash to cover costs. "I don't think we're going to need CRA money to get this done," Mr. Barreiro said. "Our revenues should be sufficient without it." Mr. Burgess said construction of a retractable-roof stadium could begin in May 2008 and the stadium could be ready for use in April 2011. He said he expects a new stadium would draw about 2 million fans a year. Marlins attendance hasn't been that high since the team drew 2.36 million in 1997, the year it won its first World Series championship.