BIRMINGHAM — Progress has been made in efforts to make Birmingham home of Fox Sports’ new United States Football League (USFL).
The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) board of directors on Thursday met to discuss ongoing talks for the city to play host to the league.
Board members’ discussions surrounded contributing to the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) as part of a funding request in which the BJCC proposed that local entities assist in offsetting estimated costs incurred for operational expenses.
The meeting kicked off with a presentation from local representatives of Fox Sports outlining the network’s proposal. Economic impact statistics were discussed as well as the league’s format and what landing the USFL would mean for the city of Birmingham.
Upon the presentation’s delivery, the representative went on to detail the funds that would need to be secured by the BJCC for the deal to come to fruition. As Yellowhammer News previously reported, the BJCC has estimated that the costs it will incur by way of Protective Stadium hosting a majority of league activity would be nearly $3.7 million.
After receiving an inquiry regarding funding being contributed by other local stakeholders, Fox’s local representative noted that conversations have taken place between various entities. Additionally, it was noted that if approved, the CVB would be the first entity to formally approve a contribution. It was stated that if the CVB approved a dollar amount, it could potentially prompt action from other entities.
After public discussion, the board moved to go into executive session given the sensitive nature of economic development discussions. Upon nearly an hour of deliberation and private discussion, the public meeting resumed.
The CVB discussed the ability of stakeholders that contribute to the BJCC’s funding request to secure advertising airtime during USFL games. It was determined by the board that an additional agreement would need to exist between local partners outlining the advertising structure.
CVB board member State Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) made a motion to approve up to $2 million for allocation. An amendment was proposed to Waggoner’s motion which would have lowered the amount to $1.2 million. The amendment failed to gain a second motion.
An additional amendment was offered to the original motion which would make the $2 million figure contingent upon contributions from other stakeholders. Another amendment was offered to have advertising be proportional to the amount each entity invested. Both amendments passed as Waggoner’s motion was approved.
The move by CVB to act on the BJCC’s funding request could potentially encourage other entities to take action. The Birmingham City Council is expected to consider an appropriation proposal of its own to contribute to the BJCC’s funding ask.
Now that a portion of the $3.7 million the BJCC is requesting has been met, along with the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board approving a tentative memorandum of understating for the use of Legion Field, the deal has seen positive movement of late.
As more pieces are still needed to complete the puzzle, Yellowhammer News will continue to provide updates as developments take place.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
