Facility Notes
In Ft. Lauderdale, Berardino & Rodriguez report MLB supports the Marlins in their "request to lower their potential contribution to a new stadium” at the Orange Bowl site. Earlier proposals had the team contributing as much as $207M for a $490M downtown ballpark, but MLB and the Marlins “believe the Orange Bowl would produce less revenue ... than a downtown stadium.” MLB President & COO Bob DuPuy said, “The level of contribution the team makes has to be commensurate with what they believe they’re going to be able to generate from a new ballpark and be viable” (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 11/7). DuPuy added that he “remains hopeful" a deal will be reached by the end of the year, despite "recent tensions between the team and local leaders.” Miami city commissioners have set a December 13 deadline for a deal, but DuPuy said that he “doesn’t think that will happen.” DuPuy: “Nothing has ever been concrete” (PALM BEACH POST, 11/7).
TEMPORARY PHASE: The MLS Wizards will play the ’08 and ’09 seasons at the 7,000-seat CommunityAmerica Ballpark in K.C. Fans who purchase ’08 season tickets will receive priority for season tickets when the team opens its new stadium prior to the 2010 season. Current season-ticket holders have priority for ’08 packages, and Wyandotte County (KS) residents will have priority for single-game tickets. Temporary modifications including increasing capacity to 10,000 will be made (Wizards).
TURF WAR: In Houston, John McClain reports Texans Owner Bob McNair “opposes the most recent plan to develop the Astrodome because it conflicts with the team’s lease that gives him exclusive rights to the premises on game days.” The Texans and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo oppose the $450M plan to redevelop the facility into a convention hotel. McNair: “A hotel would be in direct conflict with our games and when the rodeo is going on” (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 11/7).
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