Mr. Jones has said in the past that he would need public assistance to build a new stadium, which would increase his chances of hosting the Super Bowl in 2007. Earlier this year, Mr. Jones said he wanted a new stadium that would seat 100,000 fans and feature a retractable roof, grass and a surrounding entertainment district. Financially, Arlington has the upper hand. Irving's sales tax is at the state limit of 8.25 cents. Arlington's sales tax will drop to 7.25 cents after it pays off the bonds for The Ballpark in Arlington in November 2001.
Cities traditionally rely on sales tax hikes to pay for stadium projects.
Mr. Waldrum insists Irving has other financing options that council members have informally discussed. He declined to provide specifics, but Dallas increased taxes on car rentals to help pay for a new arena for the Dallas Mavericks and the Stars. I believe we want to keep the team. I'm ready to get things going now. Mr. Jones' desire for the team to be centered in the midst of an entertainment district bodes well with plans Mr. Hicks has for land surrounding The Ballpark.