MIAMI -- The Florida Marlins will not be allowed to play in
their stadium after the 2010 season, the latest factor in the
team's prolonged struggle to get a new ballpark.
Pro Player Stadium president Bruce Schulze said 2010 is the last
of a series of one-year lease options for the Marlins, who share
the complex with the Miami Dolphins. He said dropping the Marlins
would let the stadium pursue such events as cricket and soccer.
The stadium in northern Miami-Dade County belongs to Dolphins
owner and Marlins founding owner H. Wayne Huizenga.
"The owner is free to do what he chooses," Marlins president
David Samson said Friday. "What this does is make it very clear
the need for the Marlins to have a new place to play is no longer
just about economics. It's about survival."
Commissioner Bud Selig said he hoped "logic will prevail" and
the Marlins will get a stadium.
The Marlins are deadlocked with local officials over plans to
build a 38,000-seat, $420 million retractable roof stadium near the
Orange Bowl. On Wednesday, team officials met with Las Vegas Mayor
Oscar Goodman about a possible move.
The Las Vegas trip angered Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and City
Manager Joe Arriola, who accused the team of negotiating in bad
faith. However, both said the city's offer to the team stood, and
county officials were optimistic about a deal.