MLB Draws Line In The Sand Over Marlins Ballpark Funding Gap

DuPuy Pitches Ballpark Ultimatum In Letter To Miami Politicians

MLB President & COO Bob DuPuy in a letter “issued an ultimatum to Miami-Dade political leaders: Finish a financing plan with the [Marlins] for a new $420[M] stadium by June 9, or else,” according to Vasquez, Schwartz & Jackson of the Miami Herald. The letter also “raised the question of whether all sides even agree on how much money they need.” The Marlins, the city of Miami and Miami-Dade County unsuccessfully lobbied the state for a $30M sales tax rebate, but DuPuy’s letter “talks about a $45[M] stadium funding gap.” DuPuy “declined to explain why he set the funding gap” at $45M, but did say that the Marlins “had not requested permission to talk to other cities about a possible relocation.” When asked if the Marlins would begin relocation talks after June 9, DuPuy said, “We will deal with the June 9 date when it comes.” Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez said that he was not “particularly worried about meeting the June 9 date, though he did find parts of DuPuy’s letter to be ‘pretty demanding.’” The letter suggested three possible solutions for closing the funding gap: holding a referendum to raise more public money; increasing the contribution from the city, county and team; or obtaining the sales tax break from the state. But Miami City Manager Joe Arriola said a referendum is “not even a consideration right now” (MIAMI HERALD, 5/17).

CONDITIONS: DuPuy added that the Marlins “cannot continue to play in Dolphins Stadium long-term; that a new ballpark must have a roof; and that the team would be allowed to change its name to Miami Marlins.” DuPuy also said that MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has asked him to “monitor the Marlins’ quest to finance” the new ballpark (Sarah Talalay, Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, 5/17).