Harris County Commissioners Court members "have
tentatively approved a split of certain revenues" once a new
football stadium is built, according to John Williams of the
HOUSTON CHRONICLE. The decision is "a big step" toward
getting a stadium built, and "clears the way" for the
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo executive board to vote
today on becoming a partner in the construction of the
proposed retractable-roof stadium. Sources said that the
arrangement, which "has been quietly negotiated for a
month," gives the county 5% of the naming rights and
permanent indoor advertising at the facility. The balance
of those revenues -- "which could total" $8M -- would be
divided between the rodeo and an NFL team. The rodeo
executive board must vote on paying an annual lease of
"about" $2.75M and an additional $1.25M annually for
replacement and repair to help finance the stadium, which
could cost $311M. County Judge Robert Eckels said that
getting support from the rodeo "is a key element to striking
a deal because it locks in one of the four major players" in
the stadium project, with the others being the county, the
Harris County-Houston Sports Authority and business exec Bob
McNair, who hopes to bring an NFL team to Houston. Eckels:
"Between us (Commissioners Court) and the rodeo, we probably
have come to an understanding of where everybody is. It's
important that the rodeo firm up their position; then we can
work with the other groups." Other issues that still must
be resolved before the October 27 NFL owners' meetings
include the cost, size, design and construction of the
proposed facility (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 9/24).
