None of this adds up. When the plans were announced for the
rest of the casino, there was no talk of closing anything for
a period of time. In fact, the wall was erected and the limited
seating for jai-alai was installed so that they could build the
rest of the casino and still play jai-alai. The only difference
is that Dania's casino is not performing well. If they think that
completing the rest of the casino will turn things around, then
build it and let jai-alai continue in the front, where it is now.
You have to wonder if they will really finish the casino or sell
the property to someone who might do something else with it.
My prediction is that when and if Dania reopens jai-alai, they
will have a six month season and essentially share Miami's roster
for six months. Miami would also go to a six month season. Each
would satisfy the 150 performance rule. It would not surprise
me if this plan is already in place. Miami would take a few of
the better Dania players sooner rather than later and let some
of their older/poorer players go. The majority of the Dania players
will never be back.
I could be wrong. Anything could happen, but it is a very scary
time for jai-alai in south Florida.
