The Lightning are bringing in actress/model Rena Mero,
who previously wrestled for the WWF and posed in Playboy
under the name Sable, to sign autographs at the Ice Palace
sports bar on Wednesday for the team's game against the
Rangers, according to Tom Jones of the ST. PETERSBURG TIMES,
who writes, "The new Lightning ownership has made so many
positive moves that one can't help but wince whenever it
takes a misstep." Lightning President Ron Campbell said
yesterday that the promotion is part of the team's attempt
"to reach out to different segments of the population," but
Jones wonders, "Professional wrestling? Playboy? Which is
worse? ... Either way, this is who the Lightning wants to
align itself with all in the name of selling a few tickets?
Is that what you expect of a Bill Davidson-owned team?" In
the past, the Pistons, who are also owned by Davidson, have
brought in certain acts or names to sell "a few more
tickets." But Jones writes, "A public execution during the
first intermission would sell a few extra tickets, but that
doesn't mean it's right. There's a line, and the Lightning
has crossed it. ... Does selling a few hundred tickets (if
that many) mean that much?" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 11/23).
