Facility Notes
In Houston, Mike Tolson reports Minute Maid Park concessionaire Aramark "faces an administrative hearing because of allegations that it sold or delivered alcohol to an intoxicated person," who allegedly "hit and killed a pedestrian" in a drunken driving accident after an Astros game last season. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Captain Rick Cruz said that cancellation of Aramark's concessions permit is the "standard penalty for a case this severe." But Tolson notes the "possible permit revocation does not mean that the ballpark suddenly will go dry" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 6/12). Meanwhile, in Dallas, Jeff Mosier reports TABC also is "investigating liquor sales at Cowboys Stadium after" Cowboys Construction Manager & Stadium GM Jack Hill was "arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated early Sunday" after leaving the venue. Cowboys officials this week said that they were "aware of the situation but declined to comment further" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/12).
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Wang Starting To See Reason To Be Optimistic
About Support For Lighthouse Development |
GETTING THE GREEN LIGHT? On Long Island, Greg Logan wrote a "parade of politicians who spoke" Thursday before the Nassau County Planning Commission "lined up solidly behind" Islanders Owner Charles Wang's Lighthouse Project. Wang is "beginning to see reason to be optimistic that the various government entities can meet his Oct. 3 deadline to give him an answer on how much of the 150-acre project will be approved and what shape it might take." Wang: "I think we're moving in the right direction. The momentum is that people are saying, 'I'm not going to be left off this train.' I think that's a good sign. But after many years, you can't say we're done after these last two weeks. We've got to keep the same vigilance, hold our government officials accountable and make sure they understand this is what we need for Long Island" (NEWSDAY.com, 6/11).
BOXED OUT: In Toronto, Mary Ormsby reports "some of the pricey private" suites at Rogers Centre are "vacant" for some Blue Jays games. More than "100 boxes are not leased for the entire season by a single renter, leaving the ring of boxes looking like a gap-toothed smile some days." Blue Jays VP/Ticket Sales & Services Jason Diplock said, "Monday to Thursday is the meat of the batting order, so to speak -- that's when the corporate community likes to entertain. If you come to the ballpark on the weekend, you'll see dark (suites), because generally ... business is done, (business people) go to the cottage or spend time with family." Meanwhile, Blue Jays interim CEO Paul Beeston said, "People say, 'You've got all these empty seats, why can't you just give (tickets) away?' We do have a social conscience, we always did ... but that does not necessarily include giving away boxes. We are a business and you just can't give away everything. There's a huge difference between being socially responsible and giving away tickets to people who may be unable to come" (TORONTO STAR, 6/12).
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