Facility Notes

In Baltimore, David Steele reported a coalition of Baltimore and Maryland political, business and sports leaders commissioned a $100,000 study on the “feasibility of a new downtown arena.” The study will determine “if and how 1st Mariner Arena can be replaced, with the surrounding area developed along with it” (Baltimore SUN, 5/14).

TAXING SITUATION: In Dallas, Eric Aasen reported Irving residents on Saturday voted to give the City Council “power to impose fees and taxes on [Cowboys] fans and players,” which would go towards Texas Stadium redevelopment. A 10% ticket tax and a $3-per-car tax could be collected until the Cowboys move to their new stadium in Arlington in ’09 (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 5/14).

SURVEY SAYS: In San Jose, Barry Witt cites a poll that shows city residents “oppose use of their money to bring baseball to the city.” Only 32.1% of voters surveyed said they were in favor of “spending public funds to bring professional baseball to San Jose,” while 53.6% were opposed (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 5/15).