Earlier today the Texas Rangers and the city of Arlington announced an agreement that will allow the Rangers to stay in Arlington through 2054. The following are some of the bullet points made by Mayor Jeff Williams and Rangers owner Ray Davis:
Mayor Jeff Williams said the following:
-City council meeting set for next Tuesday
-Existing sales tax to pay for the cities portion of the ballpark
-500 million split between the city and the Rangers(any overages go to the Rangers)
-World class venue unlike any other in the world. In the center of North Texas which continues to grow
-Economic impact: 77.5 million impact with 2.534 billion coming back to the city. If they lost the Rangers that would be money lost.
-New technology reason for future ballpark
-Texas Live Phase One of this project will break ground Fall 2016
-8% sales tax lowest in the state to remain at 8%
Rangers owner Ray Davis:
-New stadium to bring more fans out in the hot climate.
-Old park maybe torn down for parking however center field office may stay but nothing definite yet.
-April 2021 Rangers will open in new ballpark
-Best organization they have now from top executives on down to ticket sales
-More money for free agents and building their own talent
Why the new ballpark? No place to play when the Globe Life park is being renovated plus financially makes better since to build a new park than to spend money foolishly on an outdated stadium
-Will attract better venues: concerts, all star game, etc.
-Players would work out in the new ballpark and not be scattered throughout the world during the off-season
-Make Arlington the center of attraction to tourists
-New stadium would have fewer suites due to the climate control of the retractable roof
-Remain the cheapest professional sporting event
-New stadium would reportedly have 42-44 thousand seats.
Linda- Texas Rangers executive on the new stadium deal-
Thoughts on new 1 billion dollar stadium? "Jon Daniels and top executives from ownership are excited about the Texas Rangers and the city of Arlington deal to bring a new stadium to the city and the entertainment district as well." Due to the draft JD could not make it to the phone however Linda did relay his message to me. :)
