A federal judge yesterday ordered the Penguins "to keep
their pledge to play at the Civic Arena through 2007 and
barred any discussions with out-of-town interests about
moving the team," according to Ann Belser of the PITTSBURGH
POST-GAZETTE. In the 26-page order, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge
Bernard Markovitz "permanently enjoined team officials from
talking to third parties about the possible relocation of
the team." The order would also apply to any new ownership
group that becomes involved during the Penguins' bankruptcy
proceedings. In '97, the team made a commitment to stay at
the arena in return for $12.9M in publicly funded
improvements. However, Penguins co-Owner Roger Marino began
"exploring moves" to other cities within a year, claiming
that the team "would be more valuable if it is free to
move." Markovitz: "The Penguins are as much part of the
warp and woof of this community as are its other
professional sports teams, museums, parks, theaters and
ethnic neighborhoods. As important as (the creditors')
interests are, they may have to give way when the interest
of the community at large so dictates" (POST-GAZETTE, 3/26).
