The West Valley contingent has produced studies they say show that the cost to prepare the site Tempe is proposing has spiraled toward $100 million and that the site is too small and game days will be disrupted by flying aircraft.

Meanwhile, Tempe officials mostly defended their turf and even hired the former state attorney general to lobby their site.

The two groups are rushing to answer any lingering questions from the Tourism and Sports Authority by the Saturday deadline and reach final terms with the TSA, which will result in binding contracts. The nine-member board will meet next Tuesday to choose a winning site.

The keys to winning, says Ted Ferris, TSA president/CEO, are the ability to provide a risk-free site at no cost and the potential to attract commercial development that will keep the stadium in use during off season.

The West Valley's strong suit is its financial package. The land, at the northwest corner of Thomas Road and Loop 101, is being donated by residential developer John F. Long. Long kicked in another nine free acres adjacent to the stadium for TSA development, and backers of the plan promised that the Cardinals would receive revenue from as many as 6,000 parking spaces at the site. Long blunted the biggest criticism of the site is, that the area is devoid of hotels, restaurants, bars and other amenities that will be needed to attract non-football related events , by promising that he will hire an urban planner to help attract development.

The West Valley contingent claims that the site will cost up to $100 million to ready for a stadium and that it's too small and lacks adequate parking. The West Valley backers also played a tape of airplane noises for the board members to illustrate what fans will hear at the Tempe site. The Tempe site is in the flight path for Sky Harbor International Airport.

Tempe officials disputed claims that the site would cost $100 million, saying that they would submit a bid that would cost the TSA nothing. They say the city is also working on other deals that would further reduce the overall costs of parking, infrastructure and land leases.

Instant Insights /

Stadium Fight Turns Into Bitter Battle to the End

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