Arbitration Panel Rules in Favor of Ram’s $700M Stadium Proposal, Retractable Roof and More

According to nextSTL.com sources, the arbitration panel tasked with plotting a future path to a "Top-Tier" stadium for the St. Louis Rams has ruled in favor of the team's ~$700M stadium proposal. The panel could have ruled for the CVC's $120M proposal, or crafted a compromise. The St. Louis CVC has 30 days to decide whether to accept the arbitration panel's decision and seek a funding source for upgrades, or to reject the decision. If rejected, the Rams could break their lease as early as spring 2015. If the panel had ruled in favor of the CVC, the Rams lease would have remained in effect until 2025.

While the ruling will lead many to begin counting the Rams' remaining days in St. Louis, look for all parties to get to work in an attempt to indentify funding sources. Recent stadium renovations and new construction in the NFL have been aided by substantial funds from owners as well as the NFL and its new "G4" loan pool. An outline to reach something close to $700M could include $150-$250M in state and local funding with the remaining amount coming from owner Stan Kroenke and the NFL.