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BILL VARIANThe manufacturer will replace the faded-to-pink seats and give a five-year color guarantee under a deal nearing approval.
TAMPA - Those pink seats at Raymond James Stadium should be red again soon.
The Tampa Sports Authority staff has reached a tentative deal with seatmaker Hussey Seating to replace the plastic bottoms and backs in time for the Buccaneers' 2005 season.
However, the Sports Authority held off on signing the proposal on Monday. Members are awaiting a written copy of a one-year warranty on work to repair some of the rusted metal frames that hold the seats in place.
"I think this is the best deal we're going to get," said authority member Patrick Manteiga, who has been participating in the negotiations. "If we're going to get anything better, I think we're going to have to go to court."
Hussey has agreed to both replace the plastic seats and ensure their continued red color for five years for free.
The company has also agreed to scrape and repaint the metal support frames.
As part of the agreement, the Sports Authority would supply four workers at an estimated cost of $26,000 to assist with the work.
The two sides are waiting only for a copy of the one-year warranty from paint supplier Sherwin-Williams Co.
Jim Norman, the Hillsborough County Commission's representative on the authority, said he didn't feel comfortable approving the deal without seeing the warranty. Other members agreed.
"I think all the documents should be here," Norman said.
Some of the board members expressed concern that, if they wait much longer, Hussey might not be able to complete the work. The company needs to start creating the plastic molds soon.
Sports Authority executive director Henry Saavedra said that as long as the board approves the agreement by its Nov. 15 meeting, Hussey should be able to finish on time for 2005.