Tigers execs "insist" that Comerica Park will be ready
for Opening Day, although some stores and restaurants inside
the park aren't finished, according to Mark Puls of the
DETROIT NEWS. Tigers President John McHale "dismissed
persistent speculation on sports talk radio shows that the
first home game will be at Tiger Stadium" (DETROIT NEWS,
3/30). Also in Detroit, Kelley Carter examines the
entertainment options surrounding Comerica Park. John
Buffone, VP/Architecture for Tigers Owner Mike Ilitch, said,
"We wanted to give a total family experience. We want to
get people down here earlier before the game and have them
stay later" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/30).
ENRON OPENING: In Houston, David Barron reports that
more than 42,000 fans will attend the opening of Enron Field
tonight for a Yankees-Astros exhibition game. Construction
equipment "was to be removed" from the ballpark by last
night, and "the Astros took official possession at 12:01
a.m. today." Astros President of Business Operations Bob
McClaren, on the state of the facility: "I can't think of
any area that won't be ready" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 3/30).
