By Rick Horrow and Karla Swatek
January 18, 2013
In the high stakes game of who has the latest and greatest NFL stadium, four teams are actively lobbying for public money to renovate their existing facility or build a new one entirely. Here are updates on the projects:
We’ll start with the most ambitious proposal, the Falcons’ quest for a new downtown Atlanta stadium. A poll of Georgia voters found 72% of respondents opposed to using hotel/motel taxes to fund the building. Although the financing package isn’t expected to go in front of voters, state legislators will have a tough time approving the plan with so much public opposition.
In St. Louis, a panel of arbitrators has begun hearing arguments from the Rams and the city’s Convention & Visitors Commission over long-term renovation plans for Edward Jones Dome. The arbitrators will choose between the CVC’s $125 million plan, the Rams’ $700 million plan, or they’ll create their own plan.
The Dolphins unveiled a $400 million plan to renovate Sun Life Stadium and enhance its bid to host Super Bowl 50. Owner Stephen Ross has pledged to cover a majority of the cost, with the rest of the funds coming from an increased hotel/motel tax.
Finally, the most successful initiative of the four, the Charlotte City Council has endorsed the Panthers’ request of $125 million for Bank of America Stadium. The proposal still needs approval from the state legislature, but the council vote illustrates the city’s support.
