The Spurs and CHL Iguanas have "been discussing a
'working relationship' that could entail anything from joint
marketing to the possible sale of the minor-league hockey
franchise to the basketball club," according to Mike Finger
of the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. Iguanas GM David Oldham
said the team initiated talks with the Spurs last November
when Bexar County voters approved a plan for a new arena
next to the hockey team's home at Freeman Coliseum. Spurs
Exec VP Russ Bookbinder said that talks with the Iguanas
have been put on hold while the Spurs "continue to iron out
details of arena contracts with the county." But he did
acknowledge that the team is interested in "becoming more
involved in the local hockey scene" (EXPRESS-NEWS, 5/23).
NEW PLAN PROPOSED: Also in San Antonio, Tom Bower
reports that architects for the Spurs' new $175M arena
unveiled plans Monday before the County Commissioners Court,
and "fiesta themes -- including bright colors and twinkling
lights that convey a festival atmosphere" -- are part of the
proposal. Commissioner Paul Elizondo: "I think it's a good
attempt. Certainly, it's a unique attempt to mirror the
community." The team unveiled 17 new artist's renderings of
the proposed design, "including one new exterior view." The
drawings can be viewed at www.co.bexar.tx.us. The design
team is led by MN-based Ellerbe Becket (EXPRESS-NEWS, 5/23).
