TSwift25 Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 Marlins' bid for funds falters STADIUM SITE NEAR ORANGE BOWL CHOSEN, TEAM SAYS BY MICHAEL VASQUEZ AND CHARLES RABIN [email protected] TALLAHASSEE - Barring a miraculous turnaround, the Marlins' bid for state help in building a stadium is dead this legislative session. State House Speaker Johnnie Byrd announced Tuesday he will oppose a pending bill in the House that would give the Marlins a $60 million sales tax rebate to be used toward building a stadium. Despite the blow, an undaunted team president revealed late Tuesday that the team had settled on land adjacent to the Orange Bowl as the location of a future stadium. The goal, said Marlins President David Samson, will be to present lawmakers with a comprehensive plan before session ends -- a plan where the only missing financial piece is the sales tax break needed from the Legislature. Building near the Orange Bowl was an idea the team had all but abandoned a month ago, but resurfaced Tuesday night during a conference call with Samson and reporters. ''This is the first time a deal has been so close to being finished,'' Samson said, calling Monday a ''reasonable'' date by which the team might go public with its proposal. The call took place hours after Byrd said he could not support a $60 million tax rebate. Senate President Jim King has long been an outspoken opponent of the plan, while Gov. Jeb Bush has been solidly behind the Marlins' effort. Until now, the Marlins' hopes had hinged on both Byrd and Bush finding a way to sway King. With Byrd now also opposed, the team's hopes for state help have all but vanished: The House and Senate leaders have the power to keep a bill from being voted on by their respective chambers. ''I don't believe that's the appropriate way to invest taxpayer dollars,'' Byrd said Tuesday. When asked if he would allow a full House vote on the Marlins tax break despite his own objections, Byrd responded, ``I don't see that happening.'' WORKING ON DEAL The Marlins are working to piece together a deal to build a $325 million, 38,000-seat retractable-roof stadium. The team says it will contribute $137 million, and Miami-Dade County has offered $73 million, leaving the Marlins $115 million short. Marlins officials have set a self-imposed deadline of May 1 to have a stadium financing plan in place. Finalizing a deal by then will let the team begin playing in its new stadium by 2007. Samson remained upbeat Tuesday, saying a come-from-behind victory is still possible in the Capitol during the next week and a half, after which lawmakers will hang it up for the year. ''With 11 days left, it is by no means over,'' he said. Samson said the team is aiming to figure out every other piece of the stadium puzzle -- except for state funding -- during the next few days. Miami City Manager Joe Arriola confirmed Tuesday that the city and the Marlins are back in contact with each other over the Orange Bowl. `VERY MUCH IN PLAY' ''The Orange Bowl site for the Marlins is very much in play now,'' Arriola said. Arriola said it would be much easier to build a stadium at the Orange Bowl with the addition of state money, but that one can still be built there without the Legislature's help. The city's pending sale of the Miami Arena will free up at least $25 million it can put into Orange Bowl renovations, Arriola said. That sale would also allow the city to use about $6 million a year it gets from Miami-Dade County in bed tax money to go toward the Orange Bowl. Asked if a stadium deal was dependent on the arena sale, Arriola said: ``Unfortunately for the financing, selling the arena really helps.'' http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/84792...mmmmmmm|Trent|Y Well, this could get interesting. I have this sinking feeling that we're going to build a stadium, with no roof, and we're going to get fleeced by the city of Miami. Some of the most bizarre, disorganized negotiations I have ever witnessed... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreshFish Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 I have faith that Loria be making better decisions than John Henry. Whatever they are working on, I hope it is for the better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fauowls44 Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 Marlins' bid for funds falters STADIUM SITE NEAR ORANGE BOWL CHOSEN, TEAM SAYS BY MICHAEL VASQUEZ AND CHARLES RABIN [email protected] TALLAHASSEE - Barring a miraculous turnaround, the Marlins' bid for state help in building a stadium is dead this legislative session. State House Speaker Johnnie Byrd announced Tuesday he will oppose a pending bill in the House that would give the Marlins a $60 million sales tax rebate to be used toward building a stadium. Despite the blow, an undaunted team president revealed late Tuesday that the team had settled on land adjacent to the Orange Bowl as the location of a future stadium. The goal, said Marlins President David Samson, will be to present lawmakers with a comprehensive plan before session ends -- a plan where the only missing financial piece is the sales tax break needed from the Legislature. Building near the Orange Bowl was an idea the team had all but abandoned a month ago, but resurfaced Tuesday night during a conference call with Samson and reporters. ''This is the first time a deal has been so close to being finished,'' Samson said, calling Monday a ''reasonable'' date by which the team might go public with its proposal. The call took place hours after Byrd said he could not support a $60 million tax rebate. Senate President Jim King has long been an outspoken opponent of the plan, while Gov. Jeb Bush has been solidly behind the Marlins' effort. Until now, the Marlins' hopes had hinged on both Byrd and Bush finding a way to sway King. With Byrd now also opposed, the team's hopes for state help have all but vanished: The House and Senate leaders have the power to keep a bill from being voted on by their respective chambers. ''I don't believe that's the appropriate way to invest taxpayer dollars,'' Byrd said Tuesday. When asked if he would allow a full House vote on the Marlins tax break despite his own objections, Byrd responded, ``I don't see that happening.'' WORKING ON DEAL The Marlins are working to piece together a deal to build a $325 million, 38,000-seat retractable-roof stadium. The team says it will contribute $137 million, and Miami-Dade County has offered $73 million, leaving the Marlins $115 million short. Marlins officials have set a self-imposed deadline of May 1 to have a stadium financing plan in place. Finalizing a deal by then will let the team begin playing in its new stadium by 2007. Samson remained upbeat Tuesday, saying a come-from-behind victory is still possible in the Capitol during the next week and a half, after which lawmakers will hang it up for the year. ''With 11 days left, it is by no means over,'' he said. Samson said the team is aiming to figure out every other piece of the stadium puzzle -- except for state funding -- during the next few days. Miami City Manager Joe Arriola confirmed Tuesday that the city and the Marlins are back in contact with each other over the Orange Bowl. `VERY MUCH IN PLAY' ''The Orange Bowl site for the Marlins is very much in play now,'' Arriola said. Arriola said it would be much easier to build a stadium at the Orange Bowl with the addition of state money, but that one can still be built there without the Legislature's help. The city's pending sale of the Miami Arena will free up at least $25 million it can put into Orange Bowl renovations, Arriola said. That sale would also allow the city to use about $6 million a year it gets from Miami-Dade County in bed tax money to go toward the Orange Bowl. Asked if a stadium deal was dependent on the arena sale, Arriola said: ``Unfortunately for the financing, selling the arena really helps.'' http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/84792...mmmmmmm|Trent|Y Well, this could get interesting. I have this sinking feeling that we're going to build a stadium, with no roof, and we're going to get fleeced by the city of Miami. Some of the most bizarre, disorganized negotiations I have ever witnessed... According to the article on the Marlins website, the stadium deal includes roof. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pray 4 Rain Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 There has been a lot of talk about a roof on the stadium. But there was only one actual rain out last season for the Marlins at home. A retractable roof would be great, but it's not the end all be all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaGreatOne Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 I dont love the Orange Bowl site but if its the only way to have the Marlins here I am all for it. :thumbup Only problem with the site is parking but if they buy some lots and build a parking garage it should be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djm305 Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 I am sure the builders will figure things out and Build Parking Garages in neccesary, I am sure they will figure out the parking situation, also what is the PUBLIC transportaiton access to that site? I forget, is their Metro Rail access? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishFan24 Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 I don't care if I have to start calling them the Miami Marlins, so long as they stay here in South Florida :thumbup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minus Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 Just get the deal done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malman Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 Just get the deal done. Amen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreshFish Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 Just get the deal done. Amen! I second that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Juanky Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 I am sure the builders will figure things out and Build Parking Garages in neccesary, I am sure they will figure out the parking situation, also what is the PUBLIC transportaiton access to that site? I forget, is their Metro Rail access? Not right now, but there will be. Voters approved a referendum a little while ago to extend the metrorail to the area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Moneyball Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 i personally don't like teams named after states. i prefer the name of the city. the miami would look better on the uni. name changes i would like: Arizona=Phoenix Diamondbacks Minnesota=? florida=miami marlins texas= dallas rangers colorado=denver rockies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beinfest4Prez Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 I am sure the builders will figure things out and Build Parking Garages in neccesary, I am sure they will figure out the parking situation, also what is the PUBLIC transportaiton access to that site? I forget, is their Metro Rail access? There is a good bus system there. Besides Little Havana is a great neighborhood to put it in especially since the Marlins fan base can draw very well from the Cubans... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beinfest4Prez Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 name changes i would like: Arizona=Phoenix Diamondbacks Minnesota=? florida=miami marlins texas= dallas rangers colorado=denver rockies No. No offense but those all sound like crap. Besides the fact that a sports franchise that is the only one in a state should be named for the state. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Moneyball Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 they sound like crap because you are not used to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beinfest4Prez Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 they sound like crap because you are not used to them. No. They sound like crap because their is no reason to rename them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlins2003 Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 I am sure the builders will figure things out and Build Parking Garages in neccesary, I am sure they will figure out the parking situation, also what is the PUBLIC transportaiton access to that site? I forget, is their Metro Rail access? There is a good bus system there. Besides Little Havana is a great neighborhood to put it in especially since the Marlins fan base can draw very well from the Cubans... Public transportation means zero revenue for the Fish. What good is that? At least at PPS they get $2.00 a car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreshFish Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 I am sure the builders will figure things out and Build Parking Garages in neccesary,? I am sure they will figure out the parking situation,? also what is the PUBLIC transportaiton access to that site?? I forget, is their Metro Rail access? There is a good bus system there. Besides Little Havana is a great neighborhood to put it in especially since the Marlins fan base can draw very well from the Cubans... Public transportation means zero revenue for the Fish. What good is that? At least at PPS they get $2.00 a car. Yes, but they lose on opportunity from those turned off by the $10 bucks parking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Fillet Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 I am sure the builders will figure things out and Build Parking Garages in neccesary,? I am sure they will figure out the parking situation,? also what is the PUBLIC transportaiton access to that site?? I forget, is their Metro Rail access? There is a good bus system there. Besides Little Havana is a great neighborhood to put it in especially since the Marlins fan base can draw very well from the Cubans... Public transportation means zero revenue for the Fish. What good is that? At least at PPS they get $2.00 a car. Yes, but they lose on opportunity from those turned off by the $10 bucks parking. HUSBAND: Gee, honey, the Marlins are playing tonite. Let's take the kids down to the game. Whadd'ya think? WIFE: Gee I dunno. 10 bucks to park the Family Truckster is a bit much. HUSBAND: Yeah, you are right. Hey, I got it! Instead, lets use the MetroRail! We'll save the ten bucks! WIFE: Great idea sweetie! It'll be no problem for me to pack up the kids and all our stuff, then trapse it to hell and back on a train. And all the while we can worry about keeping an eye of the kids the whole way there and back! Meh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreshFish Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 I am sure the builders will figure things out and Build Parking Garages in neccesary,? I am sure they will figure out the parking situation,? also what is the PUBLIC transportaiton access to that site?? I forget, is their Metro Rail access? There is a good bus system there. Besides Little Havana is a great neighborhood to put it in especially since the Marlins fan base can draw very well from the Cubans... Public transportation means zero revenue for the Fish. What good is that? At least at PPS they get $2.00 a car. Yes, but they lose on opportunity from those turned off by the $10 bucks parking. HUSBAND: Gee, honey, the Marlins are playing tonite. Let's take the kids down to the game. Whadd'ya think? WIFE: Gee I dunno. 10 bucks to park the Family Truckster is a bit much. HUSBAND: Yeah, you are right. Hey, I got it! Instead, lets use the MetroRail! We'll save the ten bucks! WIFE: Great idea sweetie! It'll be no problem for me to pack up the kids and all our stuff, then trapse it to hell and back on a train. And all the while we can worry about keeping an eye of the kids the whole way there and back! Meh. you win, I have no clue whatsoever. Are you happy? :cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rferry Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 i personally don't like teams named after states. i prefer the name of the city. the miami would look better on the uni. name changes i would like: Arizona=Phoenix Diamondbacks Minnesota=? florida=miami marlins texas= dallas rangers colorado=denver rockies I don't know about the other ones but the Marlins should ahve been named after Miami like the old minor league teams. However we know the politics regarding Miami/Tampa and the expansion committee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DurableTear Posted April 21, 2004 Share Posted April 21, 2004 The Florida Marlins should remain the Florida Marlins because they're Florida's team... Tampa Bay Devil Rays is Tampa's team not the state... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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