March 03, 2004
Miami Arena won't reach legal drinking age
The Miami Arena, the current record-holder for shortest shelf life for a major sports facility (built in 1988 for the Heat and later the Panthers, it had been abandoned by both teams for still newer buildings by 1999), could be facing the wrecking ball under a deal tentatively approved by the Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority. Under the deal, the now-empty arena would be sold to a parking-lot developer for $25 million, which would be used to help pay off the $34 million in construction debt still owed on the building. Then, in a scheme only Sali Berisha could love, hotel tax money currently being used to pay for upkeep of the arena could be used to help pay for a new home for the Florida Marlins, either at the arena site, or near the Orange Bowl - or maybe somewhere else entirely.
