Fort Lauderdale Stadium
Two aging sports stadiums near Fort Lauderdale’s executive airport are set to become a water park resort over the next two years after city commissioners agreed to negotiate a contract with Schlitterbahn Development Group yesterday. The estimated $110 million project calls for the partial demolition of Fort Lauderdale Stadium, the former host of the Baltimore Orioles’ spring training. Nearby Lockhart Stadium would remain intact and available for team sports and concerts. Water slides, wave pools, downhill rapids and beaches would be built on the surrounding land. The Federal Aviation administration, which is the original land owner, has already signed off on the proposal, which involves no public tax dollars. The city had also considered proposals for a baseball facility, soccer complex and multiple sports center. Schiltterbahn said the park will generate $267.4. million in revenue annually. Pending successful negotiation of the deal, Fort Lauderdale Stadium would close within a year for construction. [Sun Sentinel]