Penguins co-Owner Roger Marino visited Kemper Arena in
Kansas City on Monday, but he wouldn't say whether he was
"shopping for a new home" for the team, according to Tom
Barnes of the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE. Marino: "My first
thrust is to stay in Pittsburgh. We have a lot of work to
do here." But Marino said he had to "consider all options"
and refused to speculate what he might do in the future.
K.C. Mayor Emanuel Cleaver invited Marino to visit K.C. and
tour Kemper Arena, home of the IHL Blades and the NPSL
Attack. Marino: "I was impressed by their wonderful arena
and positive attitude." Cleaver's Press Secretary, Laurie
Spoon-Potter said that the city had "become aware from press
reports that the Penguins were having some problems in
Pittsburgh." Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy's spokesperson
Margaret McCormick said that the Pens' lease at Civic Arena
is through 2007. Baron: "The lease ... is very clear about
their commitment to Pittsburgh" (POST-GAZETTE, 8/12).
BALDWIN OUT OF THE LOOP ON TALKS: In K.C., Jeffrey
Flanagan reports that Marino and K.C. officials met "for
preliminary discussions about the Penguins moving" to the
city. Greater K.C. Sports Commission President Kevin Gray:
"[W]e're encouraged, and we'll just see how it plays out."
Marino said that he has no future plans to speak with K.C.
officials (K.C. STAR, 8/12). In Pittsburgh, Joe Starkey
reports that Penguins co-Owner Howard Baldwin "found out
about" Marino's meeting with K.C. officials "second-hand."
Baldwin: "I want nothing to do with this. ... For me, it's
not even a consideration" (Pittsburgh TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 8/12).
