Play ball: Miami-Dade agrees to pay share of Florida Marlins stadium

[Scurrilous]

<snip>

"After more than nine hours of debate, Miami-Dade County commissioners answered the Florida Marlins' 15-year quest for a permanent home late Monday by agreeing to bankroll a big share of a $634 million stadium complex to rise on the grounds of the old Orange Bowl.

The vote was 9-4."

<snip>

"The Marlins say they need a new ball park because of a poor lease agreement that offers little in the way of concessions, parking or suite money at Dolphin Stadium on the Dade/Broward county line.

Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria made a brief statement, saying the ballclub contributes to the community with money, time and through community service.

"My commitment to this community, to you, to our team, is as rock solid as it was on Day One," he said. "We want to see this stadium, area, and Greater Miami flourish."

<snip>

"Last Thursday, Miami commissioners paved the way for the vote, giving 3-2 approval for a new stadium with 37,000 seats and a retractable roof in Little Havana.

The Marlins hope to begin play on Opening Day 2012, under a new name: The Miami Marlins."

http://www.miamiherald.com/1460/story/964462.html

[charlie and algernon]

1. I HATE the name Miami Marlins

really awkward. But if that's what its going to take, I guess I can live with it.

[wilt the stilt]

2. No city or state

should pay for a stadium. The provide nothing of financial value to a community

[charlie and algernon]

3. yeah they do

All those workers pay taxes to the city and state. Taxes from the food and tickets go to the city and state. Not to mention the restaurants and other businesses that spring up around stadiums to appeal to the fans. Cities and states get a nice boost to their economy from stadiums. Plus, those thousands of fans that come from out of the area need to eat and sleep and shop somewhere before and after the game.

[LSdemocrat]

4. Well, if any MLB team desperately needs a new stadium, it's the Marlins

Dolphin Stadium as a baseball venue is a joke in almost every respect.