ST. PETERSBURG - The Devil Rays are watching closely as the effort to build a new stadium for the Marlins in Miami approaches its latest hurdle - the Florida Legislature.

Still $30 million short of the estimated $420 million it will take to complete a 38,000-seat, retractable-roof stadium in time for the 2008 season, supporters of Miami's stadium effort will ask the Legislature to approve a $60 million sales tax rebate when the session begins next week.

 

Senate President Tom Lee of Brandon made news in January when he referred to threats by the Marlins to move to Las Vegas if they didn't get a stadium deal as ``blackmail.''

 

In a wide-ranging interview with The Tampa Tribune editorial board Tuesday, when asked about the proposed money for a new stadium for the Marlins, Lee said, ``I think it's going to be a tough sell in the Legislature.''

 

Since the Marlins' request began receiving publicity, Lee said, ``We've gotten a call from Vince Naimoli, we've gotten a call from NASCAR, from the [Orlando] Magic - the line's getting long.''

 

The Legislature, he said, may be concerned about setting a precedent by granting the money.

 

Asked what Naimoli had been requesting, Lee wasn't specific. He said Naimoli told him, ``There might be a point in the future where they [the Devil Rays] too had an issue.''

 

Namioli said Wednesday that the Rays' involvement hasn't moved beyond observation. The Rays' lease at Tropicana Field with the city of St. Petersburg runs through the year 2027.

 

``All the decision-makers need to remember,'' Naimoli said, ``is that there are two Major League Baseball teams in Florida.''

 

William March, Carter Gaddis

 

 

 

- The Tampa Tribune

There's only one Major League Baseball team in Florida.

 

Hint: they play in a football stadium, not a hockey arena.

They can wait in line.

The Rays at least play in a stadium that is built specifically for baseball, ugly as it is...

Since the Marlins' request began receiving publicity, Lee said, ``We've gotten a call from Vince Naimoli, we've gotten a call from NASCAR, from the [Orlando] Magic - the line's getting long.''

 

 

Yeah but Nascar or the Magic aren't getting kicked out of their current home in 5 years. The Marlins need that money more than Nascar or the Magic do.

I imagine what he is talking about is possible renovations to their stadium. I hear its pretty ugly and the roof sucks. I wonder what they can do to improve it.

They cannot do anything.

You have to have a winning season first.

I imagine what he is talking about is possible renovations to their stadium. I hear its pretty ugly and the roof sucks. I wonder what they can do to improve it.

704060[/snapback]

 

TNT