NEW STADIUM MAY BE THE ONLY REMEDY IN TAMPA

     Members of the Tampa Sports Authority (TSA) voted on Monday
to develop plans for a new stadium costing at least $150M.  The
vote came after a proposal for renovating Tampa Stadium was
presented by the architectural firm, HOK of Kansas City, MO.  The
firm unveiled its study on how to improve the facility by adding
up to 7,400 club seats and 48 more luxury boxes at a cost between
$26-48M.  Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman said
elected officials would be reluctant to back that type of
appropriation without the Bucs extending their current lease to
the year 2025.  There was a feeling among some TSA members that
renovation plans would only buy time.  TSA Chair George Davis:
"The new ownership groups say ultimately they'll need a new
stadium."  Davis announced a press conference today by local
leaders who have been working to keep the team in Tampa (Francis
Gilpin, TAMPA TRIBUNE, 12/20).