Cowboys owner Jerry Jones yesterday said that he is prepared
to make an unspecified financial investment to support a proposed
Texas Stadium expansion and is confident the improvements would
lead the NFL to play a Super Bowl there. Jones said that stadium
expansion would cost approximately $140M to expand the stadium to
104,000 seats and add air conditioning, a grass field and a
retractable roof. NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said that the
league is "receptive" to the possible stadium renovations and
added that the modifications would make Texas Stadium a "strong
candidate" for a Super Bowl. Jones: "I am very confident Paul
would do everything he could to influence putting a Super Bowl
here" (Ed Werder, DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 10/26).
WHERE'S THE MONEY: Irving city officials said that Jones'
proposed plan not only includes more seats and a closable roof but
also a neighboring Cowboys hall of fame and an NFL theme park.
City officials said that the additional improvements would raise
the price tag of the project to about $200M. Council Member Harry
Joe questioned whether the city could finance the plan and still
contribute to a new arena for the Mavericks and Stars: "With $140
million estimated for the arena, and now $200 million for Texas
Stadium, is the mayor proposing that the city pay for a $340
million sports district?" Despite that and other objections,
Irving Mayor Bobby Joe Raper maintained that the city council will
approve the project: "After their questions are answered, I'm
sure there will be unanimous support" (Karen Michel, DALLAS
MORNING NEWS, 10/25). Jones said that public funds would be
necessary: "I won't build this myself without help from the city"
(DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 10/26).
