In Tampa, Roy Cummings examines the potential sale of
the Lightning under the header "New Owners Could Mean The
End For Esposito In Tampa Bay." Potential buyers include
Albuquerque/Las Vegas businessman Gavin Maloof, who sources
say "is checking on everything" (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 12/17).
....New Islanders Owner John Spano is profiled by Sharon
Raboin in USA TODAY. Spano plans to be a "hands-on owner,"
although he will leave the coaching and playing procurement
to GM/Head Coach Mike Milbury (USA TODAY, 12/17)....The D.C.
Sports Commission, which operates RFK Stadium, committed
$175,000 to research the economic impact of a MLB team in
the District (WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL, 12/13 issue).
...The Reds will host an inaugural Cincinnati "RedsFest" on
January 4-5 at the Cincinnati Convention Center. The event
will feature current and former Reds players and coaches,
front office personnel and local personalities in a two-day
interactive event (Reds)....The Sharks' front office will
distribute commemorative pucks to the 17,442 fans in San
Jose Arena tonight as the team's sellout streak hits 100,
the NHL's longest current streak (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS,
12/17)....A SEATTLE TIMES editorial on the Mariners being
put up for sale because of frustration over the delay in
proceeding on a new ballpark: "Go for it. Get the bonds
ready and work through the appropriate channels to get the
ballpark back on track" (SEATTLE TIMES, 12/16).
