A new poll on two stadium ballot issues to be decided in
Detroit on Tuesday shows that voters are "leaning heavily" toward
allowing the city to spend $40M in Downtown Development Authority
bonds on a new Tiger Stadium, according to the DETROIT FREE
PRESS. Tina Lam reports the results of the EPIC/MRA poll of 400
likely voters represent a "dramatic change" from earlier surveys
that showed a "dead heat" on the issue. Poll results: 52% said
they oppose binding Proposal A, which would ban the city from
spending money on the planned $240M facility; while, 59% said
they favor nonbinding Proposal B, permitting the city to put up
the bond money (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/16).
ILITCH-VILLE? Tigers Owner Mike Ilitch and Detroit Mayor
Dennis Archer "took their case for a new stadium to the people
Sunday" visiting local churches. Archer: "I believe in God and
God will answer our prayers" (Charles Hurt, DETROIT NEWS, 3/18).
Ilitch believes the vote could have "wider consequences" than
just a new stadium. The DETROIT NEWS reports he has dropped
"enticing hints" about a downtown "ultra-sports entertainment
district" anchored by the new Tiger Stadium, as well as new
facilities for the Lions and Red Wings (R.J. King, DETROIT NEWS,
3/17).
VOTE NOTES: Former Detroit Mayor Coleman Young, who has
been "highly critical" of Mayor Archer, announced support for the
new Tiger Stadium (DETROIT NEWS, 3/17). DETROIT NEWS Sports
Editor Joe Falls writes, "The City of Detroit needs a new
direction -- a better image -- and this is one way to get
started" (DETROIT NEWS, 3/17).
