Goodman: Lack of stadium wouldn’t halt development

Friday, June 14, 2002 | 10 a.m.

The proposed master developer of 61 acres west of downtown Las Vegas is willing to move forward even if plans do not include a stadium, Mayor Oscar Goodman said Thursday.

During his weekly press conference, Goodman said officials from Southwest Sports Group -- which is weeks away from finalizing a development agreement with the city -- told him this week that it is willing to continue with the project even if the council does not approve a minor league baseball stadium concept.

Southwest Sports Group executives met with city officials last week to present six designs of potential components of the 61-acre master plan. Five of them included a stadium, Goodman said.

The Texas-based company is nearing the end of its negotiating period with the city for development of the 61 acres. A development agreement will ultimately come back before the council, which must approve the types of uses that will be built on the property. The council has said the project must include a performing arts center, high-density residential, offices, and an academic medical center.

Officials from Southwest Sports Group -- which specializes in building multi-use developments with a minor league stadium as the centerpiece -- have been pushing for a stadium as a new home for the Las Vegas 51s.

Goodman has said no taxpayer monies will be used to help fund a minor league stadium.