Disney's recent decision not to buy the Angels coupled with
the unresolved nature of the Seahawks relocation has caused
debate to "intensify" over whether Anaheim's proposed Sportstown
complex is an "unrealistic dream" or the key to the city's goal
of becoming a "professional sports mecca," according to the L.A.
TIMES. Hernandez & Miller report Disney walked away the Angels
partly because the project has no known private investors, and
Owners Gene and Jackie Autry have threatened to move the club
when its Anaheim Stadium lease expires in five years. Disney
Sports Enterprises President Tony Tavares: "There are so many
unknowns about Sportstown and football, we didn't feel
comfortable locking into a lease not knowing what this would look
like at the end of the day." Meanwhile, many local officials
believe whether or not Disney emerges as a buyer, the city still
needs the Angels' cooperation to make Sportstown a reality.
Still, Anaheim Mayor Tom Daly says the city is "sticking to its
bold dream." Despite his difficulties, Seahawks Owner Ken
Behring would still invest in the project. And Daly has asked
agent Leigh Steinberg to head a committee to advise the city on
Sportstown (L.A. TIMES, 3/24).
