Laredo's newest football team, the Roses, were suppose to have their inaugural game Saturday night at Uni-Trade stadium, but due to permit issues they were not allowed to play inside Uni-Trade.
Sugar N Spice League officials said they negotiated with Uni-Trade stadium leaders in April to hold their games in the new stadium, but received an e-mail from CEO Mark Schuster on Wednesday, saying they were not allowed to play there due to certificate issues.
The temporary certificate of occupancy was only approved for baseball games only according to Mayor Raul Salinas.
League Commissioner Rebecca Garza said she feels the team got caught in a cross fire between the city and Uni-Trade stadium officials and feels the issue could have been resolved.
"Everybody's pointing fingers in every direction. I know one thing. We are absolutely not to blame. That's all I know. Between the city and the management staff which is Mark Schuster at the Uni-Trade stadium. One of those parties is to blame, but I know ultimately, as leader and chief, the mayor of Laredo is aware of the situation, he was forwarded the opportunity to make the right call and do the right thing and we're still waiting on him."
The team moved over to Father McNaboe field, where they continued their game last night.
Mayor Raul Salinas said this was not the problem of the city and says the temporary certificate of occupancy is for baseball games only.
He said the Roses were given other options to play at, but didn't show up to meetings.
"I understand the SAC was not available, but also to play at Shirley Field. Mr. Cortez had a meeting with LISD officials on Thursday morning, he did not show up. He was a no show, he cancelled the meeting. So we have to be very specific. That stadium in the first place had a temporary certificate of occupancy, specifically to play baseball. We were trying to be helpful and get them a football stadium, this is a football game. And I think, I have to tell you, we have to abide by the rules. When the building department says we have a temporary certificate of occupancy, we are not going to mess up the field because then we will in trouble and be responsible for messing up the contractual obligation."
The Mayor goes on to say no other events besides baseball games has been played in Uni-Trade.
He said ‘Supply Our Students’ were supposed to have a concert fundraiser in Uni-Trade Stadium, but it was moved to the LEA because of the certificate issues.
We placed an e-mail and a phone call to Uni-Trade Stadium CEO Mark Schuster Sunday and are still waiting a response.