Workers at Three Rivers Stadium have "rejected" a
"tentative" new three-year contract with the facility.
Despite the rejection, the union "has no plans to strike"
April 7, the day of the Pirates' first home game (PITTSBURGH
POST-GAZETTE, 3/23)....The NJ Sports & Exposition Authority
has "approved a deal" which allows the MLS MetroStars to use
grass over the Meadowlands' artificial turf until August 1
(N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/24)....An editorial in this morning's
ST.PETE TIMES addresses problems at Tropicana Field: "[T]he
bottom line is that the problems were extensive and
inexcusable. [St.Pete] had three years to get ready." The
editorial says the "buck stops" with Devil Rays Managing
General Partner Vince Naimoli who "demanded the right to
manage Tropicana Field ... and with that right came the
responsibility to be prepared for the remodeled stadium's
first major event. ... [Devil Ray] fans should be
forewarned. Tropicana Field will not be ready for the start
of baseball, either. Parts of the project probably won't be
completed by the end of this season" (ST. PETE TIMES, 3/24).
...The Charlotte City Council has "delayed" a vote on the
amended lease between the city and the Hornets. One of the
"major reasons" for the delay is the question over who will
control the sale of naming rights to the facility (CHARLOTTE
OBSERVER, 3/24)....Reds Managing CEO John Allen said he was
"very optimistic" that the team will reach an agreement with
Hamilton County on the location of a new downtown ballpark
"in the next 30 days" (CINCINNATI POST, 3/23).
