San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer has "opened discussions with the Chargers and Padres about ending a controversial perk where City Council members can distribute tickets to luxury viewing suites the city controls at Qualcomm Stadium and Petco Park," according to David Garrick of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE. The teams would "take over the two suites -- one at each venue -- in exchange for fees that the city could use to fill potholes, fix sidewalks or cover other expenses." Most of the tickets "go to military groups, Scout troops and community groups." But businesses and campaign donors have also "occasionally received tickets." The Petco suite, which has 26 seats, is "expected to be an easier negotiation for the city because the Padres control all non-baseball events at that site, allowing the city to make one deal." It is "one of 26 suites at the ballpark." At Qualcomm, the city has "multiple deals," including the Chargers, San Diego State Univ., National University Holiday Bowl, San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, soccer events and several others. It is "not clear whether sponsors of monster truck rallies and other unusual events would be willing to pay the city for control of the suite." Another "hurdle in negotiations will be determining a fair price for the suites," as it would "not reflect well on city negotiators if the teams end up generating significantly more revenue from the suites than they agree to pay the city for control of them" (UTSANDIEGO.com, 10/6).
