Cable TV entrepreneur Christopher Cohan's purchase of the
Warriors last weekend renewed discussion of a proposed
entertainment district in San Francisco to include a basketball
arena and a new Giants ballpark. Giants Exec VP Larry Baer said
the plan won't be revealed for six months to a year, since the
Warriors' participation is "up in the air." The Giants will
continue "with or without the Warriors," but Baer said the two
teams would make a "powerful combination." Jim Lazurus,
stadium/arena point man for S.F. Mayor Frank Jordan, will try to
meet with Cohan this week. Lazarus said while there's a "good
chance" the complex will be built without the Warriors, another
arena makes it "stronger." The "city within The City" plan also
calls for music and TV studios and virtual reality exhibits.
Baer promised as much private financing "as possible" (Stone &
Tanaka, S.F. EXAMINER, 10/12).
OAKLAND REBUTTAL: Oakland officials are rallying to keep
the Warriors by presenting an arena plan near the Coliseum.
Oakland Mayor Elihu Harris "said he was certain the team" would
stay, and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum President George
Vukasin plans to meet with Cohan "soon." (Stone & Tanaka, S.F.
EXAMINER, 10/12). Oakland's "shaky hold" on its pro sports teams
is becoming an issue in the mayoral election. Harris'
challenger, Ted Dang, said he would "pay close personal
attention" to the Warrior and the A's, calling the Warriors a
"thriving business" and a "strong market" for bond financing
(S.F. CHRONICLE, 10/11). COHAN SPEAKS: Chris Cohan said he
has "absolutely no preconceived ideas" about where a new arena
should be built. Cohan added that his "top priority" is building
a new facility but he still does "not have all the information,
all the options" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 10/11).
