The Islanders have filed a "multi-million dollar"
lawsuit against PA-based SMG, which manages the Nassau
Coliseum, contending the facility is "unsafe," and have
asked a federal court to end their lease, according to Monte
Young of NEWSDAY. The Islanders have "blasted" SMG for not
disclosing a report that said a 10-year-old scoreboard hoist
was "inadequate and unsafe." The team wants to be
"reimbursed for damages" and "for having to find another
place to play home games, for no less than $10 million."
SMG President & CEO Wes Westly: "They just want to break the
lease. Good luck to them. We will see them in court"
(NEWSDAY, 9/10). New York Sports Ventures President David
Seldin said the Isles need a new arena, as the only other
option is relocating (John McQuiston, N.Y. TIMES, 9/10).
LISTEN UP! SI's "Scorecard" reports that the last
paragraph of a letter the Isles sent welcoming season-ticket
holders "warns of 'life safety issues at the Coliseum.'"
The letter goes on to say that SMG "has refused to allow us
to conduct the kind of detailed inspection we feel
essential," but "under no circumstances" will the Islanders
expose players or fans to unsafe conditions (SI, 9/14).
