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With Orlando's Attributes Growing, Tampa Must Stay On Top Of Game

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 15, 2008

Sports-wise, Tampa is on a roll. But Orlando is laying plans that could block the passing lane.

Tampa hosted a phenomenal NCAA women's basketball Final Four last week, leaving fans feeling good about the city's facilities and hospitality. The 21,500-seat St. Pete Times Forum sold out both days of action.

The women's event followed two rounds of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, an event that featured nail-biters and upsets.

And later this year, the Atlantic Coast Conference will hold its football championship game at Raymond James Stadium.

But as Tampa grows its championship reputation, the region should be aware that a serious competitor is emerging down the road.

Hoping to get in on the action, Orlando and Orange County last year decided to spend well over $1 billion in tax revenues and other funds to build and upgrade major facilities, including its sports venues.

The projects include a new $480 million arena for the Orlando Magic basketball team and a new $425 million performing arts center. Changes also are planned for the 72-year-old Florida Citrus Bowl, including a new lower bowl and luxury suites, which will make the football stadium much more competitive for championship games.

Most notably, with help from the state and federal governments, Orlando and other governments in Central Florida are teaming to build a $615 million commuter rail system that will make it more convenient for visitors and residents to move about.

Orlando is making bold investments that could cause heartburn in the Tampa Bay area. While there has been no suggestion that Orlando would try to lure the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Rays, it's obvious the Central Florida region wants to attract the type of sporting events that Tampa has landed through hard work, taxpayer support and the contributions of many.

Tampa's success in luring championship games shows that local officials and voters were wise to invest millions of tax dollars in the downtown arena, Raymond James Stadium and the performing arts center. Without them, Tampa would not have become Florida's sports-title town and a top-notch entertainment city.

People who oppose the public financing of sports and entertainment venues should appreciate the economic vitality these investments bring. They also should appreciate the importance of keeping our assets competitive, with first-rate features.

While some dispute whether sporting events contribute to the economy in a big way, it doesn't take an accountant to know that attracting thousands of out-of-state visitors to local hotels and restaurants is good for the region.

The proof was evident at the women's Final Four. Not only was the arena packed, restaurants and bars were, too. The event drew rave reviews from writers and fans. You can't put a dollar sign on that type publicity.

Considering Tampa's success, area officials really got their game on.

But as the competition from Orlando heats up, they should be poised to hit another gear - as that community has done by being first in the race to rail.

TAMPA'S UPCOMING CHAMIONSHIPS

December 2008: The Atlantic Coast Conference football championship game will be played at Raymond James. The NCAA women's volleyball championship will be held at the St. Pete Times Forum.

February 2009: The Super Bowl.

March 2009: The Southeastern Conference men's basketball tournament.

2012: The NCAA men's hockey championship.

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