Risk vs. reward: 1986 and 2008
Deputy Editor of Editorials Tim Nickens, who covered the debate over building a domed stadium downtown as a young reporter for the Times in 1986, compares the city's risks then and now.
In 1986, City Council voted to build the dome entirely with public money. There
was no guarantee the city would ever get a baseball team. There was no
viable ownership group, only the unlikely alliance of the civic-minded
parent of the local utility company and a Sarasota developer.
Nickens writes: "Several City Council members made short speeches before the vote. One stuck with me. The late J.W. Cate Jr. remembered riding a merry-go-round as a child and never reaching for a brass ring. I looked up his exact words again the other day.
"There's a brass ring there, my friends,'' Cate said just before the vote, "and I'm going to risk the thing this time.''
The Tampa Bay Rays continue to pursue plans for a new baseball stadium. Host 
That is a GREAT article.
Very, very well done. Thank you Mr Nickens, and also thanks to whomever decided to share it here.
Posted by: Rick K | June 01, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Again, I agree.
This contribution from Mr. Nickens is a great addition to these discussons.
Posted by: Colorado Snowbird | June 02, 2008 at 04:48 PM
The JUDGE has reviewed the facts, and makes the following findings:
This is the single best "outside" article Aaron has linked to, thus far.
It is so ORDERED and ADJUDGED!
Posted by: JUDGE | June 02, 2008 at 07:51 PM