Last week, the Arlington City Council unanimously approved a master agreement that outlines a public-private partnership with the Texas Rangers for possible construction of a new retractable-roof ballpark and related infrastructure in the Entertainment District.
A new website has been created to answer residents' questions about the proposed ballpark project. The site includes documents such as:
- Ballpark Master Agreement
- Economic Impact Study
- Project Announcement and Images
- Frequently Asked Questions
- City Manager Trey Yelverton's Presentation to City Council
- News Articles
If City Council calls an election, Arlington voters will'be asked whether to extend the existing venue taxes approved in 2004 to build AT&T Stadium . a half-cent sales tax, 5 percent car rental tax and 2 percent hotel occupancy tax, to help publicly finance a new ballpark for the Rangers as well. While designs and costs have not been finalized, a new ballpark and related infrastructure is estimated at $1 billion.
The master agreement for this public-private partnership calls for a 50-50 split between the Texas Rangers and the City of Arlington, with the City's financial contribution capped at $500 million. If approved by voters, the City's ballpark bonds would be repaid by the venue taxes and $2 million annual rent paid by the team. The Texas Rangers' 30-year lease on the City-owned Globe Life Park in Arlington is set to end in 2024. With the new master agreement, the Rangers' partnership with Arlington would extend until January 1, 2054.
The Arlington City Council is expected to vote in August to call for a November 8 election on the proposed methods of financing.
Visit the Ballpark Project website.
Ballpark Project, Texas Rangers
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