In the latest maneuver to keep the Buccaneers from leaving
town, the Tampa Sports Authority is proposing a $10M price
reduction in the cost to build a new stadium. The TAMPA TRIBUNE
reports the plan would cut the stadium price to $158M by
decreasing the number of club seats by 5,000 and luxury suites
from 150 to 100. This comes after a recent season ticket drive
resulted in disappointing sales figures -- almost 20,000 tickets
under expectations. The Authority also adopted a resolution
which would add an "entertainment fee" to the price of tickets,
parking, and concessions for all new stadium events. The
proposal assumes a $5.8M annual payment from Bucs Owner Malcolm
Glazer, which he has not yet formally offered (Jim Kenyon, TAMPA
TRIBUNE, 12/18). The 5% fee on all goods and services at the
stadium could raise $2.36M of the $29M needed annually to build,
operate and maintain the facility. In addition, proceeds would
not have to be shared with visiting teams, unlike a separate
$2.50 ticket surcharge. TSA Chair Steve Anderson, on the Bucs'
rejection of their plan last week: "Our offer was a good faith
beginning, and we look forward to sitting down at the negotiating
table" (Jeff Testerman, ST. PETE TIMES, 12/19).
