The Hawks said "I'm sorry" for the team's performance
this season by announcing a decrease in ticket prices for
next season, according to Jeffrey Denberg of the ATLANTA
CONSTITUTION. More than 2,400 seats in the middle and upper
levels of Philips Arena will be $5-15 less expensive than
they were in '99-2000. Also, season-ticket holders since
'98-99 will receive a 15% discount for next season, those
fans renewing from last season will get a 10% discount, and
new season-ticket buyers will get a 5% discount. In
addition, when individual tickets go on sale, selected seats
will be discounted by 5% (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 5/31).
Meanwhile, Tim Tucker reported on the synergies between the
Time Warner-owned Hawks, Braves and Thrashers. Approximately
400 front-office employees of the three teams and Philips
Arena "recently convened" for a meeting, and three task
forces were formed to "focus on areas of possible synergies"
among the clubs, such as new business initiatives,
technology and customer service. Hawks Exec VP Lee Douglas:
"If somebody is doing something right, let's share it with
the group" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 5/28).
JACKSON WITH YANKEENETS? YankeeNets execs denied
reports that Turner Sports exec Michael Jackson would become
Nets President (N.Y. TIMES, 5/31). But in NJ, John Brennan
reports that Nets Principal Owner Lewis Katz "apparently
became more willing to compromise" with YankeeNets CEO
Harvey Schiller on Jackson's role "perhaps because of how
much responsibility Jackson would receive" (RECORD, 5/31).
IN PHOENIX & L.A....: In Phoenix, Norm Frauenheim wrote
that Suns President Bryan Colangelo said that "some sort of
new look is imminent" for the team regarding uniforms and
logos. Colangelo: "We're in the process of upgrading and
updating" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 5/27)....Lakers Owner Jerry
Buss told the Long Beach PRESS-TELEGRAM's Doug Krikorian, "I
know I can sell the Lakers tomorrow for more than $500
million. ... [but] I'm never going to give up control of the
Lakers. They're my passion" (L.B. PRESS-TELEGRAM, 5/30).
