With the Bengals and Bucs getting public support for new
facilities, there are "about ten teams to go" for Cleveland to
get an expansion team in '99 rather than an existing one,
according to Tony Grossi of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. The
Cardinals, Patriots and Seahawks "are in the next wave," the
Oilers are a candidate if its deal in Nashville collapses and the
Vikings, 49ers, Eagles, Steelers and Broncos "have percolating
stadium problems," although the NFL "cringes at the thought of
relocating any of these established NFL fortresses." Grossi
notes two teams to watch are the Colts and Bills as "neither is
held in high esteem in Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's inner
circle" and each franchise could be "thrown into peril by
unforseen circumstances." The Colts' lease at the RCA Dome is
"breakable" and team President Jim Irsay sees a "dwindling fan
base, and local radio and TV revenues that are among the lowest
in the league." Bills Owner Ralph Wilson has told confidants
that "when he dies, he prefers the team be put in an estate trust
and sold." The Rich Stadium lease is up after '97 and Grossi
notes that Tagliabue has "never been fond of the Buffalo market."
But "one thing is certain: The Bills won't move as long as Wilson
is alive" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 9/8).
SUPER NOTES: Tagliabue attended Sunday's Raiders-Chiefs
games and said there was little chance the Bay Area would be host
to the Super Bowl in '99. The 49ers were awarded the game but
decided to pass it up, pending the construction of a new stadium.
Raiders Owner Al Davis proposed the game be held in Oakland, but
Tagliabue said '99 will focus on "cities other than the Bay Area
such as Miami, Atlanta and several others" (SACRAMENTO BEE,
9/9)....Tampa's Super Bowl Task Force yesterday decided to bid
for the 2000 Super Bowl as Jim Clark, Exec Dir of the Task Force,
said they picked 2000 because "we didn't want to interfere with
corporate sponsorships for the NCAA Final Four that will be in
St. Petersburg" scheduled for '99 (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 9/10).
