AEG released two reports yesterday claiming that its proposed Farmers Field "would generate $41 million annually in tax revenue and millions more for the tourism industry," according to a front-page piece by Rick Orlov of the L.A. DAILY NEWS. The AEG-commissioned studies "claim the project would lure an additional 14 major conventions to Los Angeles every year." The reports, prepared by Metropolitan Research & Economics and PKF Consulting, "were released as city officials began to lay down their demands for inclusion in a memorandum of understanding that is in the works." L.A. Chief Legislative Analyst Gerry Miller, a "leader on the city's negotiating team with AEG, said the studies will have no impact" on talks with the developer. Miller: "We are pushing to have our MOU out by next Monday, and we will be conducting our own economic studies in connection with the development." Orlov notes the City Council's Ad Hoc Committee on the Downtown Stadium and Events Center "has two meetings planned next week to examine the issue." The City Council is "scheduled to devote its July 29 meeting to the proposal" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 7/21). City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana said that L.A. "would perform its own economic analysis" (L.A. TIMES, 7/20). Meanwhile, community group L.A. Neighbors United ran a full-page ad in Tuesday's L.A. Times that read, "The odds are high that the proposed downtown stadium will produce zero lasting benefits for the people of Los Angeles" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 7/20).
DON'T TAKE US OUT TO THE BALLGAME: AEG President & CEO Tim Leiweke yesterday said that MLB "has not reached out to AEG about building" a new ballpark for the Dodgers in downtown L.A, contrary to Internet reports. Leiweke said, "Under no circumstances are we interested in building a baseball stadium. If you logically just think through playing baseball games in April, May and June when we have Lakers, Clippers and Kings playoff games that are scheduled on a week's notice. Look at the conflict that would be created during that time." Multiple media reports stated recently that MLB "had spoken to AEG about the possibility of a move downtown." But Leiweke stressed, "It's not even an idea. It simply doesn't work. We've never thought about it. We've never been involved in conversations about it" (ESPNLA.com, 7/20).
