"Just as Disneyland, the Convention Center and Anaheim
Stadium transformed the city's image a generation ago, Anaheim's
destiny may forever be shaped over the next few months by an
assortment of crucial decision and fanciful projects." Will
Disney build its "massive resort"? Will the Rams "skip town?"
And most importantly: "How can the city maintain its coveted
reputation as a tourism and professional sports mecca?" City
officials are studying whether to build a "lavish sports complex
that would convert the Big A to a football-only stadium, include
a new ballpark for the Angels, add restaurants, stores and a
virtual-reality entertainment center and connect them around a
park-like setting." There are also plans to link the Disneyland
area to the proposed sports complex. In fact, Disney officials,
happy with the success of the Ducks, "haven't closed the door on
participating in the sports complex." Most city officials
believe that even if the Rams leave, they would be able to
attract another NFL team. Among other options the city is
considering: Handing the management and operations of the
Convention Center to a private operator; Creating a sports
authority to oversee the Pond and stadiums (Lait & Woodyard, L.A.
TIMES, 11/28).
