(02-05-2018 08:38 PM)TheGORILLA Wrote: So what does the article say?
In Birmingham's decades-long debate over building a new football facility, Tuesday is shaping up as a critical day.
Nearly a week after Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin recommended the city commit $90 million to a project that would include a stadium and major upgrades at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, the Birmingham City Council on Tuesday is scheduled to discuss the project.
According to the meeting agenda, the council – which holds the purse strings on the project – is scheduled to consider a resolution on the project.
Here are some answers to key questions regarding the meeting:
What specifically will the council be considering at Tuesday's meeting? While Woodfin specifically recommended the council commit $3 million per year over 30 years (for a total of $90 million), those figures don't show up on the agenda for the meeting.
Here's what the agenda says:
"A Resolution of Intent to make efforts to financially support the construction of a new multi-purpose facility on property owned and operated by the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, following the satisfaction of certain conditions."
Based on the questions from last week's Committee of the Whole meeting, those conditions could involve the future of Legion Field, assurances of minority participation in contracts or many other possibilities.
What is the current financial picture for the project? Birmingham is just one of several entities being asked to play a role in funding the project.
Here's a look at the picture so far:
The BJCC Authority - $10.7 million annual debt service
Jefferson County - $1 million for 30 years
The City of Birmingham - $3 million for 30 years
UAB and corporate partners - $4 million for 10 years
Car rental tax - $3.5 million for 30 years (projected)
While the Jefferson County Commission has already made its commitment, other pieces of the financial picture are still coming into focus as the Birmingham City Council weighs its options.
The Alabama Legislature will need to take action to make the car rental tax an option. The tax was previously passed and just needs to be amended to take effect, but there are no givens in Montgomery – especially in an election year. At least one lawmaker has already spoken out against the measure.
UAB and the corporate community are expected to play a big role in the naming rights sponsorship for the stadium.
The city of Birmingham has made it clear that it won't fund the project alone. So far, a number of other entities are aligning to chip in.
Will that be enough to get the Birmingham City Council to move forward? We might find out on Tuesday.
For his part, Woodfin said he believes the city's share is fair based on its expected returns.
What's at stake for Birmingham? Woodfin laid out his case for the project last week, noting that Birmingham needs more incoming tax revenue to fund his administration's priorities, including spreading development to all 99 neighborhoods.
He said elevating Birmingham's place in the sports and events world by upgrading its facilities is one way to generate more revenue.
Projections at the meeting cited an expected $9.9 million annually.
Woodfin also said additional revenue generated by the project will go toward funding neighborhood revitalization across the city.
Experts have told the BBJ that Birmingham does miss out on events due to the status of its facilities. The industry and expectations have evolved, and Birmingham has not kept up – both in terms of Legion Field and the BJCC itself.
Snider and Woodfin both made a case for how the project – the new stadium and upgrades to Legacy Arena and around the BJCC – would make Birmingham more competitive.
What would a new stadium mean for the future of Legion Field? This is one of the central questions for the Birmingham City Council, and there are a number of factors at play.
For one, the city owns and operates Legion Field. The BJCC would own and operate the new stadium. At previous meetings, councilors have questioned what the new stadium would mean for employees of those entities and how it would change the dynamic of the community surrounding Legion Field.
Woodfin has made it clear on multiple occasions that investing in the future of Legion Field and a new stadium aren't mutually exclusive options. He noted the city's financial support of both Regions Field and its recent decision to fund maintenance needs at Rickwood Field as an example.
At last week's meeting, he also said he was fully committed to developing a strategy for the future of Legion Field and the surrounding community.
Who will play in the stadium? UAB has committed to being a tenant in the facility. Based on comments at last week's meeting regarding discussion with ESPN, all signs point to the Birmingham Bowl also being played there.
The Magic City Classic – one of Birmingham's most marquee and highest-attended events – is an option, but questions and comments from council members last week implied there are some hopes the game could be played at Legion Field.
Additionally, having a new stadium would open up the BJCC for outdoor concerts and other sporting events. Snider has previously told the BBJ that a new stadium would allow Birmingham to chase the type of neutral-site college football games Atlanta, Dallas and other metros have successfully hosted.
Beyond those, there are several other options. Snider mentioned the goal would be to maximize use of the facility – instead of just playing 10 or so football games per year. The stadium could also include indoor event space that could host events year round, similar to what you see at Regions Field.
If the BJCC stadium project moves forward, what will the parking situation be? BJCC Executive Director and CEO Tad Snider said last week that the former headquarters of the Birmingham Salvation Army will be demolished to make way for new parking for a stadium. As we've reported, the BJCC has been acquiring property in the surrounding areas for years that create several possibilities.
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BBJ: Answering key questions on BJCC stadium as big meeting looms
BBJ: Answering key questions on BJCC stadium as big meeting looms 
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