That piece of land would be extremely expensive. The Dynamo Stadium will be downtown. Right now they're looking at Texas @ Dowling.
You asked why sports was the only industry that had government do this for them. I'm pointing out that it's not the only industry that has government do this for them.
Before the team moved to Houston there were groups that looked into remodeling the Astrodome and they all agreed it wouldn't be a good investment. And the poll options aren't right, the city has already said that they won't agree to any tax increases to fund the stadium. They'll only use money that has been set aside for stuff like this and could help out with land donations and tax breaks. Also, part of the deal will be the Dynamo/city building a soccer complex (rumored to be around 288 and Reed Rd.) that will be used for tournaments, local leagues, team training facilities, and public use. They'll probably find other uses for it to generate more income.
Welcome back from the trip. What a great game and season... When I mention the Dome, I mean for them to blow the sucker up and build a new stadium on top of it. This, if done correctly, would also add a possible facility for the Rodeo to use, create more parking, and get rid of the most popular eyesore in Houston. I'd love to see it on the other side of town by MM and TC, but I don't think it's going to happen.
Wow dude. You have no freaking clue what you are talking about. It cost 60 million to renovate the dome the first time and that was just riping down a scoreboard and adding stands to the outfield (skyboxes too). That was 20 years ago too. It would have cost more to do today. You want to change the entire infrastructure of the stadium. Something I don't even think is possible from an engineering standpoint. Why don't the Dynamo build a floating stadium that will hover around the city of houston. Maybe tunnel down to the center of the earth and built it there. Just a thought.
Channel 13 is reporting that the deal being discussed is for a 25,000 seat stadium. The cost would be $100M with 60-65% of the funding being private and the rest being public funding with no increase in taxes.
I saw a bartender tonight that was wearing an autographed jersey. I still thought it was gay. I created the 36ers name back in the day. Dynamo still sounds Dynagay.
This deal is a good one. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5315872.html Dynamo stadium deal may only be weeks away Private-public venture with the city could result in an $80 million facility By BILL MURPHY and BERNARDO FALLAS Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle The Houston Dynamo, fresh off the team's second straight championship, could have a private-public deal to build a stadium in place within weeks, city and team officials said Monday. "I'm hopeful we can put a good deal together," said Andy Icken, the city's deputy director of public works, who is heading negotiations for the city. "If we're going to be successful, we'll be successful in the next two weeks." Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns the Dynamo, is laying plans to build a 22,000-seat, open-air stadium at a cost of $70 million to $80 million. The Dynamo have been most interested in building the stadium between the George R. Brown Convention Center and Minute Maid Park on the other side of U.S. 59. The land is privately held. Some members of the team, which won its second straight Major League Soccer championship Sunday by defeating the New England Revolution, said they are wondering why it is taking so long to secure a stadium deal. "Mayor White, listen up: This team deserves it (a stadium)," Dynamo defender Craig Waibel said. County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia said the Dynamo's second championship should energize officials and fans to get a stadium built. "But nobody wants to see taxpayer dollars go toward this," she said. The county is not expected to play a role in a stadium project. Nearly two years ago, AEG moved its franchise to Houston after failing to put together a stadium deal to its liking in San Jose, Calif. The mammoth entertainment company renamed the team the Dynamo, and executives promised to get a stadium built in its new home. Oliver Luck, Dynamo president and general manager, said the team has presented a good proposal to the city and is waiting for a response. "We're close to a deal. It's really up to the mayor," Luck said. White is seeking a deal that would not require the city to contribute public money. While AEG's proposal calls for the company to bear most of the construction costs, it still would require the city to provide millions of dollars in needed infrastructure improvements, city and team officials said. "The mayor has said he would not like to use any money that could be used for firefighters or policemen," Icken said. The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, which built Minute Maid Park, Reliant Stadium and Toyota Center with public funds, is not expected to be involved in construction of a soccer stadium. The authority is paying off bonds floated to build the baseball, football and basketball facilities with hotel and car rental taxes. Officials have said there will not be enough tax revenue to finance a soccer stadium. "We're prepared to put in the preponderance of the money for the stadium," Luck said. "I'm reluctant to say whether it would be $60 million, $62 million or $72 million," he said. "But we are asking the city for some financial help, no two ways about it." Infrastructure improvements could include building streets to a stadium site and paying for expanded water lines and other utilities, Icken said. AEG and the city are negotiating a second deal that would call on the city to provide land for a team practice facility. It could be located in a proposed city soccer complex in south Houston near Texas 288 and Almeda-Genoa. Luck said the stadium should be built downtown because it would be the most convenient location for the most soccer fans, who are spread around the metropolitan area.
They need one in a bad way...Let's hope they get it done...Something like Pizza Hut Park in Frisco would be awesome...
I went to the first playoof game against FC Dallas in Frisco, and Pizza Hut Park is great...I hope we have something similar to it here in Houston. I wouldn't even mind if it's located in Sugar Land or Pearland or even Katy if those local communities are willing to foot part of the bill. I think a moderate size stadium of 25K should do. Plus, the Dynamo are much better than FC Fallas so they deserve their own stadium, one that can and will also be used for other events (e.g. high school/college football games and the rest).
