Three options "remained on the table" in Milwaukee as local
political and business leaders and Brewers officials met to
salvage plans for a new $250M stadium. The "resurrection of an
old idea" -- a $50M state loan -- joined two other proposals:
eliminating the retractable roof and building a stadium downtown.
Team officials did not reject any proposal, and the parties
agreed to meet again before the team's April 15 financing
deadline. Sources say the "strings-attached" loan from
NationsBank might "be fading from consideration," while efforts
were aimed at making a state loan work (Amy Rinard, MILWAUKEE
JOURNAL SENTINEL, 4/9). The City of Milwaukee offered to close
the $50M gap in financing by selling or leasing four parking
structures it owns if the team agrees to build their stadium
downtown. Brewers President Bud Selig did not reject the site,
but said "a lot of questions" remain on the downtown plan
(MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 4/9).
WAITING IN THE WINGS? USA TODAY's Hal Bodley says Brewers
Owner Bud Selig will go "on the offensive" soon over a new
stadium for the team, or he'll consider Charlotte. If the team
moves, "look for pressure to mount among owners to have Selig
become full-time commissioner" (USA TODAY, 4/8). Bill Madden
notes Charlotte has already told Selig they would build him a new
facility. One AL Owner: "There is no question if Bud wanted to
move the team to Charlotte there wouldn't be one opposing vote"
(N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 4/7).
