Last Friday was the "final date" for early renewal of
more than 200 suites at the United Center which would "take
advantage of an estimated $15,000 discount," according to
Sam Smith of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Early renewal means a
suite at mid-level, near center-court, would cost $184,000
per year starting for the '99 season. The cost would be
increased to $202,000 per year if not renewed until after
April 22. But there has "been some concern expressed among
suite-holders" over the quality of the product they would be
paying for, especially if Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen
leave the Bulls. Smith writes that suite-holders would be
more willing to renew if they were guaranteed they would be
seeing Jordan's final year and "that's why many ... are
waiting to see what happens." Smith: "The Bulls say they
have had excellent response and even a majority of renewals,
but several suite-holders contacted say they know of few
suite-holders who already have renewed." One corporate
exec: "We want to see who's going to be on the team." Smith
writes, "That's why there could be consideration of offering
Jordan and Pippen two-year contracts. That would guarantee
both would be with the Bulls in the 1999-2000 season, which
would be the first in the new lease period for at least 200
suite-holders" (Sam Smith, CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/28).
