The way the Texas Rangers play in October could help lead to a win at the polls in November for those wanting a new Arlington baseball stadium.
The vote on the Rangers' proposed $1 billion retractable-roof stadium is set for the week after the World Series, on the same day as the presidential election.
"If they bring the World Series here, oh man, that'll be a clincher. It's gone, it's gone," said Alan Saxe, political science professor at the University of Texas at Arlington. "They'll knock it out of the ballpark, so to speak."
Arlington voters approved the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium 12 years ago after they completed a 10-6 season. The Cowboys' record stood at 3-4 when voters cast their ballots in November 2004, another year with a presidential election.
"It draws out a lot more people, and I think with a lot more people, it's going to have – I believe – a better chance of passing than if it was on a separate election date," Saxe said.
Yard signs supporting the new ballpark are popping up throughout Arlington, as the Rangers head back to the postseason for the fifth time in seven years.
"If the Rangers were really in the basement, which they certainly are not, I think it would make a difference," said Saxe, who predicts the new Rangers ballpark will be approved by a 60-40 margin.
