Arlington voters to decide on new Rangers ballpark

ARLINGTON, Texas - Arlington voters will soon decide whether or not they’ll pay for a new Texas Rangers ballpark with a retractable roof.

The city plans to pitch in $500 million for the project from a .5 cent sales tax. The Rangers would pay for the rest of the $1 billion project. Taxes on admission and parking would help the team pay for part of its share.

Supporters say the air conditioning will benefit fans and the ballpark will keep the Rangers in Arlington for 30 more years. It should be good for the economy.

“If you want to help people that are in economic need, they need jobs and this is all about the community. This is all about the revenue being injected… hundreds of millions of dollars, thousands of jobs,” said Kelly Curnutt, a spokesman for the “Vote Yes!” campaign.

Opponents argue it will cost residents too much.

“The two teams in the World Series right now don’t have roofs and it doesn’t seem to hurt them at all.  And I also know we have families in Arlington who can’t afford air conditioning. Why are we paying for air conditioning for billionaires and millionaire players?” Faith Bussey with the “Save Our Stadium” campaign said.

The current contract keeps the Rangers at Globe Life Park through 2024.