The controversy surrounding Stephen Ross’ $400 million plan to renovate Sun Life Stadium is only continuing to grow, with Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez arguing that public funding should be contingent on the stadium’s ability to land the 50th Super Bowl, the South Florida Business Journal reported.
The Related chairman and Miami Dolphins owner is asking the public to cover half the cost — $200 million — of the renovation, taking the position that the overhaul will increase Miami’s chances to attract the Super Bowl, and a 1 percent mail and hotel tax increase has been proposed to generate the revenue. Last month, a majority of Miami-Dade commissioners voted in support of Ross’ plan.
Opponents of the plan argue that publicly funding the renovation of a privately owned stadium equates to little more than welfare for Ross. [SFBJ] —Christopher Cameron