When Save the Rams meets with Rams President John Shaw
tomorrow, the group will attempt to keep the team in Anaheim by
promising that a local sports authority will be established to
help turn 800 acres of land into a premier sports-entertainment
complex. The City of Anaheim plans to hire a land-use consultant
by the end of the year and will join forces with Orange County to
create a sports authority, "an agency that could bring county
financing to new or renovated facilities." Save the Rams wants
to turn the area surrounding Anaheim Stadium into a sports-
oriented retail district, with two stadiums, shops restaurants
and other tourist attractions. The Rams may find the idea
"appealing because of a new managerial structure and potential
revenue streams for the team." Agent Leigh Steinberg,
spokesperson for Save the Rams, called the authority a "critical
step in the new relationship between the Rams and Orange County,"
adding "the hope is to wash out the history of bad dealings"
(Himmelberg & Mouchard, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 11/29).
