U.S. Tribe Denies Stake In Domed Stadium Idea

U.S. Tribe Denies Stake In Domed Stadium Idea

Friday, March 05, 2010 at 15:15

A spokesman for the Seminole Tribe of Florida says it has “not considered or approved any aspect of a project in the province of Saskatchewan”, nor has Seminole-owned Hard Rock International.

The statement from Gary Bitner is drawing into question claims by a group of Saskatchewan First Nations that a $1.2-billion domed stadium and hotel/casino complex proposal for Regina has Seminole backing.

Earlier this week, Beardy’s Okemasis First Nation Chief Rick Gamble said the proposed project would see the Seminole tribe funding half of the cost, while providing a $600 million letter of credit for the rest.

But Bitner says any talk of the tribe’s involvement in this project is “completely speculative”.

Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Ken Krawetz says there is no way the province will sell either of its casinos in Regina or Moose Jaw to make the deal work.