SkyDome suppliers like Coca-Cola, Molson, Labatt and
Ticketmaster are "losing lucrative contracts" as the
facility's new Owner, Sportsco Int'l, said "it won't be
assuming dozens of long-term contracts that favoured
suppliers," according to Tony Van Alphen of the TORONTO
STAR. Sportsco "plans to renegotiate" the advertising and
promotion rights for all product categories. Sportsco
President Lawrence Dale: "It should result in millions of
dollars in additional revenue annually for the stadium."
More than 30 companies "contributed" C$5M apiece to the
SkyDome's construction in the '80s and "in exchange, many
received lengthy contracts as exclusive suppliers of goods
and services." When Sportsco bought the facility, it
"agreed" to take only the "major concessions contract" with
McDonald's and the Blue Jays' lease (TORONTO STAR, 4/27).
THAT WAS QUICK: In Toronto, Michael Clarkson reports
that the one millionth fan will enter the Air Canada Centre
Friday night for Game Five of the Flyers-Maple Leafs NHL
Stanley Cup playoff series. Since it opened on February 20,
the facility "has been host" to 975,611 fans for 65 events.
Karen Petcoff, Senior Communications Manager for Maple Leaf
Sports and Entertainment Ltd: "One million is a real
milestone in our industry." Clarkson writes 65 "events in
65 days is an impressive tally" (TORONTO STAR, 4/27).
