Ballpark Real Estate LP spokesperson Lisa LeMaster, whose firm is being sued by the Rangers over parking at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, yesterday said that fans attending Monday's Angels-Rangers game "will not see higher parking prices." The Rangers "feared higher prices if Ballpark Real Estate took over parking operations." But parking "will remain $10, or $5 for Friday games, and be operated by the Rangers." A state district judge in Tarrant County has "scheduled a hearing for this morning" in the lawsuit, and the Rangers "want the judge to issue a temporary restraining order to ensure that parking rates don't change at least until the case can be more fully heard" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 4/14).
HOMECOMING FOR HENRY: In DC, Steve Goff cited sources as saying that the MLS Red Bulls "have been approached about participating" in the Emirates Cup in London this summer, which is hosted by EPL club Arsenal. No team from outside Europe "has ever competed" in the tournament. The "primary attraction from a New York appearance would be" F Thierry Henry, who played for Arsenal from '99-'07 (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 4/13). Meanwhile, in London, Paul Kelso reports Stan Kroenke's "first significant decision as majority owner of Arsenal could be to impose" a 6.5% increase on the club's season-ticket prices. Corporate Club-level ticket holders "have already been hit with average increases of four per cent with some as high as" 6.5%, but Arsenal "has delayed announcing a similar levy on general admission ticket holders." A "final decision on whether to proceed with the above-inflation increase will be made by the club board within the next month" (London TELEGRAPH, 4/14).
NEWS THAT'S FIT TO DISCLOSE: The N.Y. Times Company "has been confirmed as Liverpool's second largest shareholder." The EPL club's owner, Fenway Sports Group, "made the disclosure to comply with Premier League rules, which state that any ownership of more than 10% must be declared." FSG in a statement said, "The economic interest in this company is held by a range of investors, including Tom Werner. Those holding more than a 10% interest are John Henry and the New York Times Company" (GUARDIAN.co.uk, 4/13).
