THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 23, 1996 TAG: 9601230251
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DAVID M. POOLE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
Hampton Roads would gain the authority to build a taxpayer-financed basketball or hockey arena under a bill introduced Monday in the General Assembly.
Norfolk Del. Jerrauld C. Jones became downright John Madden-like Monday as he talked up the potential for luring a National Hockey League or National Basketball Association team. Jones waved his arms, chopped the air and raved about how an arena seating 24,000-plus could elevate the region to the big leagues.
``Sports is the thing,'' he gushed. ``Why can Charlotte get a team when we can't? Because we have failed to work together as a region up to this point. That's what this bill is trying to do.''
The Norfolk Democrat is seeking to catch the wave of last week's joint Norfolk-Virginia Beach announcement that the two cities - while unwilling to shell out public bucks for a Canadian Football League team - might work together to snag an NBA or NHL team.
Under the bill, the governor would appoint a nine-member Hampton Roads Sports Facility Authority that could sell bonds for a ``stadium or other structure for the primary purpose of holding sporting events.''
Construction could not begin until a professional franchise is secured and the owner agrees not to move the team - in the manner of the Cleveland/Baltimore Browns - until the bonds are retired.
Jones said the likely focus of the authority would be on construction of a 20,000- to 25,000-seat arena designed for an NBA or NHL team. The facility also could put Hampton Roads in a better position to attract ``top-tier'' concerts and shows, he said.
Jones said he expects all cities in South Hampton Roads and on the Peninsula to participate.
Jones said the arena cost could exceed $100 million. It was unclear Monday whether the bonds would fund the entire facility or be a piece of a larger finance puzzle.
The bonds would be repaid by state sales tax and local sales and use revenues generated at the facility.
Construction of a stadium for a Major League Baseball or National Football League team also could be considered, but would be less likely.
``The studies have been done - we have the corporate base and the fan base,'' Jones said. ``If you look at the Admirals at Scope, at the Tides in Harbor Park, their success has been phenomenal. It's time to move on this.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sandra Brinkley, a House of Delegates records clerk, piles bills on
top of bills Monday at the Capitol in Richmond. Monday was the last
day that pieces of legislation could be introduced during this
legislative session. Legislative services received a record number
of requests to draft bills and resolutions. More on the General
Assembly/A4
KEYWORDS: GENERAL ASSEMBLY by CNB