Area H.S. football: Week 3
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Stand Up to Cancer benefit
Urbana vs. Shawnee
Funding for Reds' facilities in Arizona not a sure thing
One possible source of funds for new facilities says there is no money.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
There could be a snag in the funding involving the move of the Cincinnati Reds to Goodyear, Ariz., for spring training.
The Reds and the City of Goodyear are 12 days into an exclusive 75-day negotiating period to come up with a plan for the Reds to relocate from Sarasota, Fla., to Goodyear in 2010.
Extras
At the end of the 75-day period, if the Reds agree to move to Goodyear, the city must come up with the appropriate funds to make it happen.
The city has said it plans to go to the Arizona Sports & Tourist Authority for monetary help, but the ASTA says there are no funds.
"The City of Goodyear is aware that the Authority does not have any funds for further expansion or improvements to their existing stadium and practice facility project," said Charles Foley, chief financial officer of the Authority.
The ASTA played a role in the financing that constructed the $331 million University of Phoenix Stadium, site of this year's Super Bowl.
Money already has been approved for a new $75 million stadium and practice facilities for the Cleveland Indians. But to attract the Reds, Goodyear would have to build additional practice fields and clubhouse facilities.
If the Reds and Goodyear come to an agreement, the city has to come up with funding commitments within 45 days or the Reds can back out of the deal.
Goodyear said it plans to look at all funding options, which may include working with the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority and the state legislature.
Foley, though, says there is no money.
Goodyear interim city manager Brian Dalke says the city is making plans as it negotiates with the Reds.
"The city is aware of the limitations of the (ASTA). At this time we are identifying/evaluating several alternatives," Dalke said. "It is premature, though, to comment on these. The city is confident that we will have a financing solution.
"The 75-day window allows the city to make plans that work well within our budget approval process. It's important that we know what our budget is going to look like for 2009 as we work on the details with the Reds."
Former Reds chief operating officer John Allen is the point man in the team's quest for a new spring training facility. Negotiations are in the infant stages, but he knows if the Reds make an agreement with Goodyear, it is up to the city to come up with appropriate funding.
Contact this reporter
at hmccoy@DaytonDailyNews.com.
