The 49ers named former FAO Schwartz exec Peter Harris
as the team's new President yesterday in hopes that "he will
tackle their most imposing behemoth: the push for a new
stadium," according to Sam Farmer of the SAN JOSE MERCURY
NEWS. Harris: "One of my first and immediate objectives is
to get into the stadium issue" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS,
7/13). In S.F., Matier & Ross reported that Harris is a
"widely respected executive with toys and kids software in
his background but little football." One source close to
the team said Harris will have some input in "contracts and
salaries, but Harris will be in charge of everything from
marketing, to communication, to budgets and long-term
planning. He'll also be in charge of putting together a
viable stadium plan." 49ers spokesperson Sam Singer: "This
guy is full of energy and passion, and simply fun to be
around" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/12). Also in S.F., Bruce Adams
reported that the 56-year-old Harris "brings a reputation as
a strong businessman." At FAO Schwartz, he "increased
profits fourfold in five years." Other candidates
considered for the post included Visa USA President & CEO
Carl Pascarelle and NFL Dir of Operations and former 49er
Gene Washington (S.F. EXAMINER, 7/12). In S.F., C.W. Nevius
notes the changing culture of the 49ers from the Eddie
DeBartolo days with the appointment of Harris in a front-
page feature under the header, "For Better Or Worse, 49ers
Won't Be Same; Heart And Soul That Defined Club Abandoned In
Pursuit Of Bottom Line" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/13).
NEW STADIUM PLAN? Meanwhile, S.F. Mayor Willie Brown,
"searching for ways to get the 49ers stadium-mall project
moving," has "quietly floated the idea of building the
stadium at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard." He has also
"raised the idea of tearing down the 40-year-old [3Com Park]
and building a new stadium on the site, a plan that would
mean the 49ers would have to play elsewhere for a few
seasons." Brown's "apparent preference" might be to keep
the stadium-mall at Candlestick Point but "rearrange the
building plans" to build on the 3Com Park site. 49ers co-
Owner John York said the idea of moving for a few seasons
"is a real pain, but if it makes sense in the long run,
we'll consider it" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/13). Also in S.F.,
Glenn Dickey writes that Brown's efforts prove that he
"doesn't want the 49ers leaving town on his watch." His two
new ideas "both have fatal flaws, and I don't expect either
one to get off the ground. But Brown will keep the balls in
the air as long as he's in office, so his successor will be
blamed when the 49ers leave" S.F. (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/13).