In Baltimore, Jay Apperson reports that the Orioles
will invoke the "parity provision" in their lease with the
MD Stadium Authority during a hearing today asking for the
state to pay "millions of dollars in rent discounts and
improvements to Camden Yards." The Orioles are asking for
the same inducements the Ravens received upon relocating to
Baltimore. Apperson: "[The] hearing is bound to provide a
glimpse into the complex legal and financial arrangements
between Baltimore's two major-league sports franchises and
their quasi-public landlord" (Baltimore SUN, 11/29).
NOTES: CA-based Barrett Sports Group has been retained
by the WA State NFL Public Stadium Authority (PSA) to
consult on the Seahawks stadium and Exhibition Center under
construction. Barrett will assist the PSA in evaluating
naming rights proposals and PSL programs for the Seahawks
(Barrett Sports Group)....In Indianapolis, Stephen Beaven
reports that yesterday's Touchdowns and Technology luncheon,
sponsored by the Colts and the IN Technology Partnership,
gave the Colts "a chance to make a pitch for the Colts and
the NFL." Team Owner Jim Irsay "has made clear that he
hopes to move his team into a new stadium in five or six
years," and Tuesday's luncheon "could serve as a first step
in attracting new sponsors for a new facility" (INDIANAPOLIS
STAR, 11/29)....U.K.-based brand consultancy Identica has
been retained to "revamp Wembley stadium's image before the
venue re-opens in 2004 (Sportcal.com, 11/27).
