February 24, 200521 yr Miami approves Marlins stadium funding BY MICHAEL VASQUEZ mrvasquez@herald.com One major government hurdle down -- two more to go. Miami City Commissioners Thursday unanimously -- and enthusiastically -- approved a tentative funding plan to provide the Florida Marlins a new baseball stadium next to the Orange Bowl. The proposal calls for $420 million, 38,000-seat, retractable-roof stadium that would open in time for the 2008 season. The Marlins have pledged $192 million, Miami--Dade County would pitch in $138 million, with the city of Miami offering $28 million, plus land near the stadium. Parking revenues would contribute $32 million. When casting his vote for the plan, Miami City Commission Chairman Joe Sanchez passed on the usual ''yes'' and instead blurted, ``absolutely!'' A $30 million funding gap still has to be closed before the stadium can be built. The club and local politicians hope to close it by getting a $60 million sales tax rebate from the state during the upcoming legislative session, which begins March 8. The Miami-Dade County Commission must also approve the county's contribution on March 1, but that approval is expected to come easily. It is obtaining state money that looms as the big challenge for the team. Marlins President David Samson is counting on both city and county support to give his team the edge. ''We go to Tallahassee as one,'' Samson told City Commissioners. ``Three legs of the stool going to Tallahassee for the final piece.''
February 24, 200521 yr Outstanding news!! I can't wait to see the first game the Miami Marlins play in the new ballpark!!
February 24, 200521 yr Author when does the state choose? 694498[/snapback] State meets on March 8th to start the session, the vote could come down anytime after that until late in the Summer.
February 24, 200521 yr blah. this is like the tenth time the city has "approved" stadium funding. /stick-in-the-mud
February 25, 200521 yr This is very exciting. Interesting that this morning I heard Joe Arriola on the Joe Rose show and he said that he met with the Mayor of Las Vegas last week. The Mayor told him that they had no interest in brining the Marlins to Las Vegas....interesting spin from Joe.
February 25, 200521 yr Author This is very exciting. Interesting that this morning I heard Joe Arriola on the Joe Rose show and he said that he met with the Mayor of Las Vegas last week. The Mayor told him that they had no interest in brining the Marlins to Las Vegas....interesting spin from Joe. 695083[/snapback] I believe that the Angels will move to Las Vegas.
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