The MLB Giants are looking to "boost their bottom line"
at Pac Bell Park during the open winter months by featuring
an "off-season lineup of revenue programs" at the new
facility, according to Douglas Robson of the S.F. BUSINESS
TIMES. Though the proposal is still in its preliminary
stages, it could eventually help "pay off" the loan secured
to build the $306M ballpark, as well as "offset" the cost of
operating it. Team execs are "considering using" Pac Bell
Park to host other sporting events, business meetings, trade
shows and concerts. The operation "would be run as a
separate company, but under the same ownership as the team."
Giants Senior VP/Business Operations Pat Gallagher said the
team would look for the most "profitable and compatible"
uses, but added that he wouldn't "rule anything out."
Industry analyst Marc Ganis, who is President of Sportscorp
Ltd., said, "I applaud their efforts, but (off-season
revenue) will likely end up being only a small number
compared to the debt service and operational costs of the
stadium" (Douglas Robson, S.F. BUSINESS TIMES, 3/8).
