Twins Owner Carl Pohlad "remains confident of a
favorable vote" on a St. Paul referendum for a new Twins
ballpark. Pohlad: "If I had to bet, I'd bet it passes" (ST.
PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 10/29). In Minneapolis, Jay Weiner
reports that state analysts "suggested that the financial
deal signed by team officials and city leaders could leave
taxpayers across the state responsible for unexpected
expenses or revenue shortfalls" (STAR TRIBUNE, 10/29). In
"an unusual move," land developer Jerry Trooien said that
"he will donate" $5M toward construction of a ballpark "as
long as it's built on" St. Paul's West Side. Trooien: "Many
have challenged that there will be economic benefits to a
new ballpark. I am willing to make a personal, $5 million
bet that there are benefits" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS,
10/29). Kirby Puckett is appearing in an eight-minute video
"aimed at winning more votes" for the proposed ballpark. The
St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce group running the pro-
stadium campaign mailed 10,000 copies to supporters and
undecided voters this week (PIONEER PRESS, 10/29).
NOTES: Alltel Arena in Little Rock, AR, officially
opened last night, as a sellout crowd of 10,660 watched the
ECHL Stingrays-RiverBlades game. With the arena opening
delayed due to safety concerns, some fans showed their sense
of humor by wearing "hard hats" to the game (DEMOCRAT-
GAZETTE, 10/29)....N.Y. Mayor Rudy Giuliani said yesterday
that Yankee Stadium "should be razed," and a "new one built
on the site" (N.Y. POST, 10/29)....Denver's Metropolitan
Football Stadium District named SC-based Volumes Services
America as concessionaire and Denver-based Epicurean
Catering as suite caterer for the new Broncos stadium.
Volume was chosen over Ogden Entertainment, Aramark,
SportsService and Fine Hosts (DENVER POST, 10/29).
