McKinney, TX, Approves Funding For Stadium For MLS Burn

The McKinney (TX) Community Development Corp., a nonprofit organization funded by a half-cent sales tax to pay for projects that can include entertainment venues, "approved a request from the city for funding" to build a soccer stadium for the MLS Burn, according to Ian McCann of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS, who noted the stadium project includes the 18,000-seat facility, two practice fields, 1,500 parking spaces, and new streets and water and sewer lines. McKinney City Council member Steve Bell said that the final decision on the project "is expected within weeks and could come as early" as tonight's City Council meeting. Hunt Sports Group President John Wagner, who is repping MLS in negotiations with the city of McKinney, said that the Burn "would move to McKinney if the stadium were built," and that if the city "makes a decision quickly, the facility could open in" April '03. Though McKinney Community Development Chair Kevin Slay "couldn't disclose the amount" of funding, the city had asked for $30M. However, the city's application said that the project is expected to cost McKinney $47-53M. Bell said that the additional money "could come from" Collin County, MLS, developer David Craig or the McKinney Economic Development Corp. (DMN, 1/22).