The Nashville Metro Council "overwhelmingly approved" the
non-binding contract signed by Mayor Phil Bredesen and Oilers
Owner Bud Adams to bring the franchise to the Music City for the
'98 season, according to this morning's HOUSTON CHRONICLE. John
Williams reports the vote was seen as a "major hurdle" by
supporters, who point out once private funds are raised through
the sale of PSLs and luxury boxes, "it will be hard" for the TN
Legislature or the Council "to back out." By voting before
Saturday, the Council and Adams beat a deadline set by Houston
and Harris County in a lawsuit, that would have required Adams to
negotiate with Houston officials. Oilers say interest is high in
the club, with 100 people seeking information about the 82 luxury
boxes and a survey noting that 200,000 people in Nashville are
interested in season tickets (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 11/22).
LET'S KEEP ONE TEAM: The Astros' Season Ticket Marketing
Task Force unveiled its slogan and marketing theme for its
campaign to sell 17,200 Astros season tickets -- "Step Up to the
Plate." The slogan will be used in all promotions and
advertisements, including 25,000 placards that will be published
and distributed by the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. The slogan was
developed by Rives Carlsberg, a Houston-based ad agency (Greater
Houston Partnership).