11/04/2003 8:02 PM ET

Miami stadium plans get a boost

County Commissioners approve funding pledge

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

 

 

 

The Marlins have taken the first steps toward funding a new ballpark to replace Pro Player Stadium. (David Adame/AP)

 

 

 

MIAMI -- A push by the Marlins for a new $325 million stadium received a boost Tuesday from Miami-Dade County Commissioners.

After meeting for nearly two hours, the commissioners approved a plan to pledge $73 million toward a retractable-roof ballpark in downtown Miami.

 

"It's a good day for South Florida and a good day for Miami," Marlins president David Samson said after the proposal was approved, 9-4. "This is a very important first step. Now we get to get to work."

 

Plans for the proposed stadium are in the formative stages and there are a number of obstacles the team has to iron out before the project breaks ground.

 

The Marlins have agreed to put up $137 million, and with the $73 million from Miami-Dade County, another $115 million is needed to complete the deal.

 

The Marlins have set a March 15, 2004, deadline to complete financing.

 

"If we don't have a deal by March 15, we don't have a deal," Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas said to the commissioners.

 

The county funding breaks down into $35 million from Convention Development Tax (CDT) proceeds and $38 million from the Professional Sports Franchise Facility Tax (PST).

 

If the deadline is not met for securing financing, the monies would return to the county, with $50 million going toward upgrades to the Miami Beach Convention Center.

 

"If by March 15 they come back and there is no deal, then we move on," County Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz said. "But at least let's give them a chance to do so. We have something in our possession that we can finally shine and do right."

 

Samson addressed the commissioners, noting the importance of a baseball-only facility and the benefits it would bring the community.

 

If the stadium is built, the Marlins have agreed to change their name to the "Miami Marlins."

 

Samson said the Marlins want to be in charge of design and construction of the ballpark and would agree to pay all overrun costs.

 

"If the money is over, that's our problem, not the community's as long as we are in charge of design and construction," Samson said.

 

Critics say the $325 million price tag for the 38,000-seat stadium is too low.

 

Samson did not give specifics on how that figure was calculated. But when asked why he is confident that number is accurate, Samson replied: "Because we've done our homework."

 

Winning the World Series has rekindled interest in the Marlins, and brought back public talks of the need for a retractable-roof stadium. The team currently shares Pro Player Stadium with the Miami Dolphins.

 

Although not every commissioner was in favor of pledging the funding, they all noted how the Marlins' improbable playoff run energized the community.

 

The economic impact of the Marlins postseason run brought an estimated $100 million to South Florida.

 

"Major League Baseball produces money," Sen. Javier Souto said. "I don't want to see this community going through again what Mr. Huizenga [former owner H. Wayne Huizenga] did, leaving us hanging out there."

 

Huizenga dismantled the team after winning the 1997 World Series. In 1998, with a rebuilt roster, the team lost 108 games.

 

Souto added that he once saw Miami miss out to Orlando in attracting Disney World. And he doesn't want to see Major League Baseball slip away.

 

Commissioner Katy Sorenson voted against the stadium, concerned that other monies could come at the expense of social services.

 

"We need to get our priorities in order," she said.

 

As negotiations move forward, Samson told commissioners that the Marlins will not take from the poor to build a new stadium.

 

"If it is ever put to me as the representative of the Marlins that we are making a decision between baseball and social services, which make a difference to many people in this community, I will vote no," Samson said.

Well, what do you know. Well step 1 of 100 is now complete. Next step is meeting that March 15 deadline I guess.

I swear if this stadium gets built, I better not hear stadium talks for another 50 years or so. I better be dead the next time "Marlins" and "New Stadium needed" are uttered in the same sentence again! :angry