Jerry Colangelo, Suns President and Diamondbacks Managing
Partner, said an NHL team in Phoenix is "90 percent sure" for
next season and an announcement could come within a week,
according to today's Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. While Colangelo
did not identify what team would move, he acknowledged in a
Phoenix radio interview the "speculation" is Winnipeg. Colangelo
has also suggested NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is supporting a
Phoenix team. Colangelo: "The commissioner of the NHL is a
close personal friend. It's through his prodding we're in the
position we're in." However, Jets buyer Richard Burke countered,
"We have no 90 percent certainty of doing a deal with anybody."
Burke added he has also been in contact with officials from
Atlanta and St. Paul. Burke plans to hear a proposal Friday from
St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman for the Jets to play at the St. Paul
Civic Center. Coleman said while Atlanta or Phoenix could "put
more money on the table," a St. Paul package would appeal to
Burke's "civil pride" and would include proceeds from in-arena
advertising, revenues from new luxury suites and the possible
selling of the name of the civic center to a commercial
enterprise. Coleman: "In five to ten years, people still will
be filling seats in St. Paul, but they'll be playing golf in
Phoenix" (Weiner & Lonetree, Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 11/29).
"SPORT HUB"? Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton told
the Advisory Task Force on Professional Sports on Tuesday that
Minneapolis must remain the geographic hub for Minnesota major
league sports, according to the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. Sayles
Belton's comments came as the task force continues to work toward
making recommendations to the Legislature on pro sports. She
argued the city, which backed construction and/or financing of
Met Stadium, the Metrodome and Target Center, can no longer pay
for sports facilities. Also, any new stadium for the Twins must
go downtown (Jay Weiner, Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 11/29).
