Nets Will Not Host Games In Newark, Reaffirm Brooklyn Plans
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Nets Execs Think Preseason Games At The Rock
Would Not Generate Same Revenue As At Izod |
Nets Sports & Entertainment President & CEO Brett Yormark yesterday said that the team's negotiations to play preseason games next season at the Prudential Center "have ceased," according to Dave D'Alessandro of the Newark STAR-LEDGER. Yormark confirmed that he had been in discussions with Devils Owner Jeff Vanderbeek about the preseason games, but said that the "arrangement wouldn't be feasible." Yormark also stressed that "such a pursuit wouldn't have signaled any change in the team's commitment to move to Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn sometime" in '11. Yormark said of the talks, "I'm open and willing to consider any venue for some preseason games, if it's fiscally sound and gives me an opportunity to tap into a new consumer base -- it has nothing to do with us going to Brooklyn." Nets execs indicated that the preseason games at the Prudential Center "wouldn't generate the same revenue they derive from one at Izod Center." The team officials also claimed that the Devils "do not have the 'sales force or infrastructure'" to create the necessary revenue that would appeal to the Nets." Nets season-ticket holders at Izod Center are "obligated to purchased 44 games each season, including three exhibition games." Yormark was looking to "shorten their commitment to 41 games -- eliminating the preseason obligation and shortening the customer's burden" by about 5-10%. Yormark said that he also has been "'talking to Nassau (Coliseum) about some opportunities,' because Long Island would be a 'great feeder market' for the team's eventual home" at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Yormark added that he will "continue to search for other preseason options to 'increase the brand,' but wouldn't divulge what arenas he might consider next" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 1/14).
LESS IS MORE: In N.Y., Charles Bagli reported Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz yesterday weighed in on Forest City Ratner’s proposed Barclays Center, “calling on the developer and state officials to review the design with an eye toward paring costs so that the long delayed project is more financially viable.” Markowitz said that in light of the economic downturn, Forest City “should conceive of a ‘sports and entertainment venue that is more economically feasible but provides the modern amenities our residents and visitors to Brooklyn demand and deserve’” (NYTIMES.com, 1/13). The BROOKLYN PAPER's Gersh Kuntzman writes Markowitz, one of Forest City Ratner CEO and Nets Owner Bruce Ratner's "staunchest allies, dropped a bombshell" with his comments yesterday. Markowitz said that he "remained confident that the 'arena will be a beautiful, world-class facility,' but that 'efficiencies and cost savings need to be found'" (BROOKLYN PAPERS, 1/14).
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