Oakland Coliseum President George Vukasin "admitted" Tuesday
that East Bay officials are talking to PSL guru Max Muhleman in
hopes of "boosting" their program, which is "crucial" to stadium
renovation efforts and protecting taxpayers, according to the
OAKLAND TRIBUNE. Muhleman, who has conducted successful PSL
drives for the Rams and Hornets, will reportedly take over season
ticket marketing for the Raiders. Sources report that Marc Ganis
will be relegated to a consulting role. While refusing to
confirm Ganis' ouster, Vukasin "acknowledged" that the Raiders'
ticket program has been "rife with confusion and unanswered
questions." For example, Vukasin himself paid deposits on four
seats but only got two invoices. Vukasin, on Muhleman: "We've
been told he's the best in the business" (OAKLAND TRIBUNE, 8/16).
Dave Newhouse writes in his OAKLAND TRIBUNE column: "Ganis, for
all his shortcomings, had obstacles working against him. Seven
weeks to make it work? He didn't do it too badly" (OAKLAND
TRIBUNE, 8/16).
OTHER PROBLEMS: Oakland contractor Joe Debro filed suit
Tuesday to block renovation work at the Coliseum claiming the
county awarded the $80M contract without opening it up for bids.
The suit also claims a $64M loan given to Raiders Owner Al Davis
as part of the relocation deal is illegal and calls the no-
collateral loan "an illegal gift of public funds" (David Li,
OAKLAND TRIBUNE, 8/16).
