In Phoenix, Nena Baker reported on the relationship
between Suns President Jerry Colangelo and Premier Sports
Marketing Owner Terry Pugh, the ad agent for America West
Arena, and wrote that the "business alliance ... raises more
questions about the city's stewardship of its $102 million
downtown arena," as the city receives a "small share of
revenue after expenses." In a sidebar, Baker profiled Pugh,
who "has carved out a specialty niche that has earned him
millions" in selling arena advertising (AZ REPUBLIC, 9/26).
OTHER NOTES: The Tigers play their final game at Tiger
Stadium tonight. ABC's "Nightline" will broadcast from
Detroit this evening, and fearing possible theft of ballpark
memorabilia, a DETROIT FREE PRESS editorial urged fans "to
respect the venue and give it a classy send-off" (DETROIT
FREE PRESS, 9/26)....In Ft. Lauderdale, Buddy Nevins
reported that the "high-powered" GOP lobbyists Poole &
McKinley have "dropped off" Marlins Owner John Henry's
ballpark "team." Lobbyist Jim Blosser said the firm "has
potential conflicts" representing Henry and Wayne Huizenga's
"rental car and resort interest at the same time" (SUN-
SENTINEL, 9/25)....The Blue Jays are looking into developing
a "Dawg-pound"-like area at SkyDome for "boisterous and
rowdy" fans behind the right field bullpen. In Toronto, Bob
Elliott noted the 81 home dates and wrote, "No one can drink
and behave that boorish, that often" (TORONTO SUN, 9/26).
