March 26, 200422 yr 03/25/2004 5:54 PM ET Samson optimistic on stadium deal By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com JUPITER, Fla. -- Facing a May 1 deadline to secure financing for a new ballpark, Marlins president David Samson remains cautiously optimistic that a deal will get done. Marlins representatives on Wednesday urged the state legislature in Tallahassee to give them a $60 million state sales tax break. Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, president David Samson and other team officials met with Gov. Jeb Bush. Samson understands there will be bumps along the way while dealing with the county and state. The team is working with Miami-Dade County for a retractable-roof ballpark that would seat about 38,000. The team has said it will put up $137 million and the county has chipped in $73 million in bed tax revenue, leaving a $115 million gap. The estimated cost of the park is $325 million. "We've been very clear that the May 1 deadline is firm in order to secure financing for a new ballpark," Samson said Thursday. "To the extent that we require state help in order to close the gap, and that state help does not manifest itself in time to meet our deadline. And no other way to fill the gap comes forward, obviously, that will be a very negative result for the franchise." Enter the Hotels.com Think Spring Sweepstakes If a deal is finalized by May 1, Samson said the Marlins would be in position to open the 2007 season in a baseball-only stadium. "The process in the legislature is a long one, and we very pleased the governor recognizes the importance of baseball in South Florida," Samson said. "We are very proud of our relationship with the Governor, and proud of helping in whatever small way we can as a baseball team to add to people's quality of life in South Florida. "In the next 38 days, we are trying to show representatives in Miami-Dade County and representatives in the House and Senate that the deal we are trying to put together to secure a ballpark for the Marlins is a deal that makes good business sense for the state, the county and the team." According to published reports, since 1993 the state has paid more than $85 million in tax rebates to 14 stadiums and other sports venues. The Marlins are seeking a similar rebate that professional teams like the Miami Dolphins receive. The Marlins have shared Pro Player Stadium with the Dolphins since entering the league in 1993. "We also recognize the importance of the House and the Senate in trying to secure for the team what has been secured for all other sports teams in South Florida," Samson said. "We are not trying to secure anything that has not been secured to other teams. We are not trying to secure a level of financing that has not been secured by other teams. As we go forward, this is a very important part in what we're trying to accomplish." Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
March 26, 200422 yr Jeb always said that he wasn't going to help a team that drew so little and no he has no excuses :thumbup
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