|
Abramoff Scandal Creates
Challenge For Nationals Ticket Sales |
The Nationals are “concerned that a significant piece of their business could
be affected in the aftermath of the Jack Abramoff bribery and corruption scandal,
which is leading many lobbyists and elected officials to reconsider how and where
they do business,” according to a front-page piece by Thomas Heath of the WASHINGTON
POST. Nationals President Tony Tavares said that the team “already has had some
‘push back’ from lobbyists who were ticket holders” last year. Officials from
the Wizards and Capitals “expressed similar concern.” Tavares said the lobbying
business is “pretty important to our team and our new stadium.” In response to
the scandal, Congress is considering proposals that “range from leaving the limits
unchanged to a ban on accepting any sports or entertainment ticket from a lobbyist.”
Heath notes Congressional rules allow legislators and staff members to “accept
a ticket to a sports or cultural event as long as” the ticket value is not more
than $49.99, with an annual limit of $100 in tickets from one source. A Nationals
source said that the team “priced hundreds of prime infield box seats under $50
at RFK [Stadium] last season, in part to stay under the gift ban limit” (
WASHINGTON
POST, 3/28).
|
Bush To Throw Out First Pitch
At Reds’ Opening Day Game
|
PAST TIME: In Baltimore, Jeff Barker reported the Nationals are “quietly
asking [MLB] to restore the tradition of a special early game to spotlight the
coming together” of MLB and the presidency. The AL season used to begin with the
DC team hosting the first game and the U.S. President throwing the first pitch.
MLB Senior VP/Scheduling & Club Relations Katy Feeney said, “Baseball is a traditional
game, but a lot of things have changed. Things aren’t as simple as they used to
be.” The Nationals’ home opener this season is not until April 11, and Tavares
said that President Bush’s schedule “may prevent him from appearing” (
Baltimore
SUN, 3/25). Bush will become the first sitting U.S. President to toss the
Opening Day pitch in Cincinnati when he visits Great American Ballpark for Cubs-Reds
on Monday. Reds CEO Bob Castellini was a part of Bush’s ownership group with the
Rangers and donated $100,000 to his re-election campaign in ’04 (
THE DAILY).
