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Pasco Might Build Multipurpose Sports Arena
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Published: September 25, 2007
NEW PORT RICHEY, FL - NEW PORT RICHEY, FL - It has been a gleam in the eye of county officials for more than a decade. Today, Pasco County commissioners renewed the dream to build a multipurpose arena or stadium to lure more sports teams and tourists.
Commissioner Michael Cox believes a more affordable version of Disney's Wide World of Sports could be built here.
Cox believes the demand for such arenas is great enough the facility could be self-sufficient from the fees collected.
"The hard part," Cox said today, has been coming up with the money to pay staff and operating expenses once a facility is built.
However, Cox said the county might hire a management company that specializes in operating such venues on a profit-sharing plan.
"It's an exciting proposition," Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed. Mariano doubles as the chairman of the county's tourism advisory group, Tourist Development Council.
The county already is luring lucrative sports tournaments, Mariano said, and the multipurpose arena would boost Pasco's fortunes.
The icing on the cake: Pasco residents would have use of the facility at least four days out of the week, Mariano said.
"I think it's a great idea," Commissioner Pat Mulieri added. She said her grandchildren often visit the Wide World of Sports attraction in Orlando.
"I say go for it," Mulieri commented today.
At the moment, the county has most of its tourism funds for construction tied up in the proposed tennis stadium next to Saddlebrook Resorts in Wesley Chapel.
The county has committed $7.9 million toward building the tennis facility.
The money comes from the county's 2 percent tourism tax on bills for overnight hotel stays and other short-term rentals.
Undaunted, Cox believes the county could take out a bond issue now to help build the multipurpose arena. The county then could pay back the bond issue with future tourism tax revenue.
Cox chuckled about how he has never played organized sports himself. He said he isn't athletic, unless you count politics as a contact sport.
Read more Saturday, the next issue of The Suncoast News
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