May 7, 200521 yr c/o FloridaMarlins.com Stadium situation sours: The discouraging news that state funding for the Marlins' new stadium was a "dead issue" has triggered disappointment among the team. "The fans of South Florida, I think they deserve [a new stadium]," manager Jack McKeon said. "I think it's warranted. As much as [owner] Jeffrey Loria has done for this community, as far as living up to his word of putting a contending ballclub here year after year, it would be very disappointing." The team has sought the same sales tax rebate that a number of other stadiums across the state have received in the past. But the State Senate balked at it, putting the long-term stability of the franchise in South Florida in jeopardy. Unless another revenue source to complete the $420 million retractable-roof stadium steps forward, the proposed building next to the Orange Bowl in Miami could completely collapse. "It just seems like not everyone is a big fan of ours," said third baseman Mike Lowell, a Miami native. Lowell signed a four-year contract after the 2003 season that initially had a stadium clause attached to it. Lowell said he likely would have reconsidered agreeing to waive that clause, that now puts him under contract through 2007, had he known the new stadium wouldn't get done. "It's very disheartening," said Jeff Conine, an original Marlin. "You go through the laundry list of things they've done with the team -- built us into World Series champions and made us competitive every year -- and you'd think they would have all the ingredients to get the support to do that. But it hasn't happened." Lowell expressed similar frustration, noting that the Marlins only asked for what other teams have received. H. Wayne Huizenga, owner of the Miami Dolphins and Dolphins Stadium, received the sales tax rebate twice, for football and baseball. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning also received the sales tax rebate on new arenas. State of Florida looking like a joke right now. Make sure you thank Tom Lee for that.
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