The MLB Giants received "special permission" from the
State Assembly to help speed construction of its new
ballpark (S.F. CHRONICLE, 3/18)....CA State Senator Quentin
Kopp, "whose reputation for fiscal conservatism has made him
a strong political force in San Francisco," said yesterday
he opposes the 49ers stadium plan to be voted on in June.
Kopp's announcement "could serve as a lightning rod for
stadium opponents" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 3/18)....Charlotte City
Manager Pam Syfert recommend that the city contribute $26M
toward construction of a new uptown arena, about "half of
what the plan's boosters want from the public." City
officials will study whether a 3-5% ticket surcharge could
make up the difference (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 3/18)....In
Minneapolis, "in what could be a setback" for supporters of
a new ballpark, city Mayor Sayles Benton said that the city
is "not in a position" to help pay for a ballpark other than
to provide the site (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 3/18)....CT
Gov. John Rowland said yesterday he had not heard "anything"
from Whalers Owner Peter Karmanos on the state's offer last
week to construct an arena. Rowland: "We're probably a week
or two away from a decision" (HARTFORD COURANT, 3/18).
Hartford Mayor Michael Peters said the city is willing to
offer a $6M package over three years to help "bridge any
gap" between the team and state on a new arena. Peters said
he wasn't sure if his offer was part of Rowland's final
arena offer to the team (HARTFORD COURANT, 3/15).