“Adjacent” has commonly been interpreted by Missouri courts to mean “near or close at hand, ‘” Frawley wrote in his ruling, saying that the definition didn’t necessarily mean the two structures must be “touching each other”. The Rams presently play within the Edward Jones Dome, which is outdated by NFL requirements.
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The ruling only further entrenches critics of the new stadium, who have loudly cited both adjacency and the need for a public vote as the two biggest problems with the current plan of action by a stadium task force convened by Gov. Jay Nixon.
Dave Peacock, a former top executive for Anheuser-Busch and Blitz’s partner on the task force, said Frawley’s ruling was “a victory for a bold and promising future for the NFL in St. Louis and the continued rebirth of our downtown”. As we continue to make excellent progress on the stadium project, this is a great time for everyone in the St. Louis region to rally on behalf of something that will make a difference in our economy, national profile and quality of life for generations to come.
“If the Mayor doesn’t also appeal, he will have abandoned the voters and taxpayers”, Ammann said.
David Peacock, co-leader of the Nixon task force, said the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority also would have new revenue streams from opening the Edward Jones Dome for more conventions.
“There shall be public conferences and different alternatives for public participation relating to monetary help for a brand new stadium”, Ponder stated in a information launch issued by the town.
The ruling opens the door for the use of city money for a new stadium, although that may not be enough to stop the Rams from pursuing a move to the Inglewood, California stadium proposed by owner Stan Kroenke.
If the judge’s ruling ultimately leads to the Rams staying in St. Louis, that will likely be fine with the NFL. The stadium is expected to cost $998 million, the Post-Dispatch said. Bond extensions would provide $201 million $66 million from the city and $135 million from the state. A mixture of seat licenses, state tax credit and different incentives would assist pay for it. About half the cash would come from the group proprietor and an NFL mortgage program.
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The stadium could be ready for the 2019 season.
