Vancouver baseball fans would rather see the Mariners play
eight games at B.C. Place than a potential UBL franchise play a
full schedule, according to a survey commissioned by the B.C.
Pavilion Corp. B.C. Pavilion, which manages B.C. Place, is using
the survey to help "decide whether to embrace" the Mariners or
the UBL. Of the 300 adults asked if they would "definitely"
attend one or more games at B.C. Place, the Mariners received a
"yes" from 22%, the UBL only 14%. Warren Buckley, President of
B.C. Pavilion Corp said written comments "seem to agree that 77
home games for the UBL would be a tough haul. ... There appeared
to be more enthusiasm for the eight-game Mariners package" (Neil
Campbell, Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 4/21).
MARINERS OWNERS PLEAD: Three Mariners officials pleaded
their case in front of WA legislators Wednesday, asking for
"quick" action on a new stadium plan. M's Chair John Ellis,
Nintendo President Howard Lincoln (representing majority owner
Hiroshi Yamauchi), and Microsoft's Chris Larson told the
lawmakers that they have invested $140M in the team and expect to
drop another $75M in the next three years. Meanwhile, U.S.
Senator Slade Gorton is asking WA legislators to consider
financing a stadium through the legalization of video poker
(Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE, 4/21).
OTHER M'S NOTES: Ticket sales for Thursday's home opener
have been "picking up," but the team does not expect a sellout.
Mariners VP/Sales & Marketing Bob Gobrecht: "We're looking for a
crowd in the 40,000 range. ... There's no question the situation
has improved the past few days." Gobrecht said the decision not
to trade high-salaried players, such as Randy Johnson, has
"boosted ticket sales" (Jim Street, SEATTLE POST-INTELLEGENCER,
4/21)....The Mariners will have a free workout at the Kingdome
for fans the day before their season opener. The Mariner Moose
mascot will roam the stands and team representatives will be on
hand to answer questions (Mariners).
