Urged on by Metro-Dade officials, representatives of the
Heat and Panthers have begun meeting "to discuss becoming
partners in building an arena," according to this morning's MIAMI
HERALD. Metro-Dade Commissioner Arthur Teele is trying to
arrange a meeting between Panthers Owner Wayne Huizenga and Heat
Owner Micky Arison within 10 days. The county faces an October
15 deadline set by Huizenga, after which he has said he would
consider selling the team or moving out of state. The Heat seeks
an arena downtown, while the Panthers prefer North Dade or South
Broward, possibly next to Huizenga's Joe Robbie Stadium. Teele:
"I get the distinct impression both parties will yield if
[location] becomes the last obstacle." However, the two sides
are also yet to discuss financing. The county has offered to
raise more than $100M of the anticipated $165M price through a
one-cent bed tax and sales tax rebates. Huizenga has said he
would offer a "substantial" sum toward an arena, but he balked at
an earlier project that called for him to pay $50M (Amy Shipley,
MIAMI HERALD, 9/28).
