The Marlins "would like to build" a retractable-roof
ballpark in Miami's Bicentennial Park to be ready by 2003,
"ending a highly publicized site search and beginning what
promises to be a long and disputatious" PR campaign,
according to Peter Whoriskey of the MIAMI HERALD. Marlins
Owner John Henry said that he "will voluntarily seek voter
approval" for at least $300M from a tourist tax, along with
"the use of" about 12 acres of the 30-acre park's land,
"worth roughly" $70M. Whoriskey writes that Henry "likely
cannot win without striking some political deals. ... While
he appears intent on presenting his plan to the people, he
has hired four lobbying firms for the political work ahead."
Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas said he was "pleased that the
Marlins have narrowed their search to downtown Miami. But I
have serious philosophical reservations about using tax
money for the construction of a new stadium." Meanwhile,
Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle "sounded relieved" that
Henry chose Miami instead of a site in the Ft. Lauderdale
area: "I think it's a gorgeous site in downtown Miami with
the cruise ships and the bay. And I think Miami wanted it
much more than we did" (MIAMI HERALD, 12/16). In Ft.
Lauderdale, Sarah Talalay writes that Henry chose
Bicentennial Park for its "spectacular view" of Biscayne
Bay, "its physical attributes and potential for nearby
development." The Marlins plan to spend the next 45-60 days
meeting with civic, business and community leaders "to
discuss its plans and gain support." Talalay notes that the
Marlins hired K.C.-based HOK Sports Facilities Group to
assist in the design of the ballpark (SUN-SENTINEL, 12/16).
NO SHOT? In Miami, Tyler Bridges writes that the
chances of the Marlins "winning the political support needed
... are about as promising as the team's chances of making
the playoffs next year. ... The Marlins are currently a long
shot." Bridges, noting the Marlins need support from at
least three of the five Miami City Commission members, adds,
"None of the five commissioners currently supports the
ballpark plan" (MIAMI HERALD, 12/16).
