In a move that Boston megaplex backers said "gives a boost"
to their hopes for a domed stadium, Patriots Owner Robert Kraft
said yesterday that he is willing to invest up to $90M and play a
"development role in the massive project." Although no details
were released, the investment will be "above and beyond" the $5M
a year in lease payments he had agreed to make to pay in a new
downtown dome (Phil Primack, BOSTON HERALD, 6/21). With the
offer, Kraft could move from a "prospective renter in the stadium
to its owner-operator." If he joins with other corporate
partners that are interested in the project, "he could even
become an owner of the convention center part of the megaplex as
well." According to Stephen Tocco, Dir of the MA Port Authority
and Gov. William Weld's megaplex rep, Kraft's pledge "could push
the project forward." Although Tocco refused details, sources
said he and Kraft are "working jointly" to attract corporate
investors. Leading candidates are ITT Corp. and Lehrer McGovern
& Bovis, a subsidiary of London-based Peninsular & Oriental Steam
Navigation Co. (Vaillancourt & Kindleberger, BOSTON GLOBE, 6/21).
CURVE BALLS FOR THE RED SOX: The Red Sox yesterday
opposed a 10% surcharge on game tickets proposed by the
megaplex commission. Red Sox VP John Buckley said a
surcharge "was not discussed" with the team. A commission
source said, however, that a surcharge "could be imposed
even if the team objects." He also said the team was "aware
in advance of the proposal" (Phil Primack, BOSTON HERALD,
6/21). The Red Sox also learned yesterday that the Gillette
Co. said that a new stadium on Fort Point Channel would
"cause it major problems and should be discarded in favor of
another site" (Richard Kindleberger, BOSTON GLOBE, 6/21).
