MIAMI, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- The Florida Marlins have reportedly reached a deal with the city of Miami, Major League Baseball and Miami-Dade County to build a stadium in Miami.
Citing an unidentified source, The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Saturday the Marlins are planning to start construction on a $515 million ballpark at the current site of Miami's Orange Bowl in late 2008.
If the reported deal is approved by county and city commissioners next week at a scheduled meeting in Miami, the new stadium could officially openly by April 2011.
The source said the deal includes a $155 million contribution from the Marlins, along with $360 million in tourist taxes from the city and county.
Miami and Miami-Dade County reportedly would contribute the $50 million general obligation bond which was approved in 2004 by voters for a planned Orange Bowl renovation.
The Sun-Sentinel said that if all goes as planned with the deal, the Marlins also would officially change their name to the Miami Marlins.
