In "a nasty business dispute," the Blue Jays could
return to Exhibition Stadium because team Owner Interbrew
wants "a better share of revenues" from its SkyDome's
partners prior to signing a new five-year lease, according
to Geoff Baker of the TORONTO STAR. Sources say that
Interbrew "is on the verge" of forwarding a non-refundable
$50,000 check to the city of Toronto to "halt the
demolition" of Exhibition Stadium. One source said the move
was designed to "scare the hell out of the SkyDome"
partners. Exhibition Place Chair Joe Pantalone said that
"he'd heard rumours about the Jays interest" in returning to
Exhibition Stadium, but that he hadn't been contacted
(TORONTO STAR, 10/30). Baker adds in a sidebar that one
solution for Interbrew would be "to acquire 100% control" of
the facility, but that the stadium partners "hardly appear
willing sellers" (TORONTO STAR, 10/30).
AND TICKETS? In Toronto, Steve Simmons writes that the
Blue Jays are doing "extensive market research" to see "how
high they can raise prices for the coming season," which
could be an increase "of as much as 70% for the better seats
at the SkyDome." Simmons notes one question being asked in
the team's market research is: "Would you pay $42 for what
used to be a $25 ticket?" (TORONTO SUN, 10/30).
