ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) – The Arlington City Council has given its initial approval for an election to determine whether residents want to redirect taxes for a public-private setup to build a $1 billion retractable-roof ballpark for the Texas Rangers.
Prior to Tuesday’s vote, council members heard from backers and critics. The council must vote again on Aug. 9 before the item can be added to the November ballot.
The election would ask voters to approve an extension of the sales, car rental and hotel occupancy tax already levied to build AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys.
The city and the Rangers would split the cost of the new stadium and related infrastructure, though Arlington’s burden is capped at $500 million. The Rangers’ current stadium, Globe Life park, opened in 1994.