While the old Boston Garden "is cleared away for good,
the still-infant FleetCenter is now poised to grow fully
into the modern image of the American sports complex,"
according to Cosmo Macero of the BOSTON HERALD. Delaware
North Cos. is looking to put in sports-themed restaurants
and a "trendy" retail end to join the "massive office, hotel
and apartment complex" that will occupy the old Garden. The
project also gives Delaware North the ability to add luxury
suites to the FleetCenter. By "retaining the rights to at
least 150,000 square feet of retail space in the planned
development, Delaware North could create a seamless link
between the Fleet and its new amenities." One person
familiar with plans said that Delaware North is "going to
merge the south side of the (arena) into the retail
component. By doing that, you can open up a new concourse
level." That would give enough room to add 10 to 12 luxury
suites, which could mean up to $1.25-1.5M in additional
revenue per year. While FleetCenter President Richard
Krezwick is "mum on specific plans," he will tour sports-
themed restaurants this summer. Macero said the possible
options include Disney's ESPN Zone with a retail component,
or one of the planned NBA-themed eateries that will be
developed with Hard Rock Cafe (BOSTON HERALD, 6/15).
