Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman "has all but conceded"
defeat in his efforts to land a pro sports franchise in the
city, according to Mike Zapler of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-
JOURNAL, who writes that Goodman is "frustrated by the
gaming industry's lack of support" for a new arena.
Goodman, on whether the city's bid for a pro team is dead:
"In essence it is. No team is going to come here without
community support. ... I'm not as optimistic as I was when I
started." Goodman "even sounded a pessimistic note" when
discussing outgoing Mirage Resorts Chair Steve Wynn's
support for the proposal, which has been "fading." Wynn
"started the buzz over pro sports" last summer when he
announced that bringing in a pro team "could be the next
phase of the city's evolution." Goodman, on Wynn: "I
haven't heard from [him] since the first meeting. He said
he's not going to be at the forefront, it's my baby."
Goodman, who said that support from the gaming industry is
crucial, has called its opposition to a new arena
"shortsighted and parochial." But gaming industry officials
note that there is "nothing to oppose," as major issues
surrounding the proposed arena "have never been addressed by
Goodman or city officials" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 4/28).
