OT: Arena Deal for Penguins Coming Soon

[Diamondback Jay]

(KDKA) PITTSBURGH Negotiations between the Pittsburgh Penguins and government officials for a new arena deal continue.

And now it appears that deal could be coming soon.

Sources tell KDKA Investigator Andy Sheehan that the two sides are very close to a deal and if all goes as planned, they could have an announcement in the next few days.

The two sides were actually close to a deal two weeks ago that’s when tempers flared and talks broke off.

However, in the past week, cooler heads have prevailed and the framework of an arena deal could be on the table as soon as sometime this week.

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl confirmed what sources close to the talks are saying that a deal could be imminent.

"It's my hope that sometime this week we can get back to talks with the Penguins and ultimately reach a deal," said Ravenstahl.

He adds the negotiations have gone back and forth and that time is of the essence.

Governor Ed Rendell says he is hopeful that a deal is possible and will only confirm that the two sides are making progress.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

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[Kel Varnsen]

Pens reach agreement to stay in Pittsburgh
ESPN.com news services

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Penguins reached a deal on financing for a new arena that will keep the NHL team in Pittsburgh.

Hockey fans everywhere can give thanks that a good hockey town won't lose its team over a squabble that has always been more politics than pucks, writes Scott Burnside.

The agreement -- with city, county and state officials -- was announced by Gov. Ed Rendell on Tuesday at the Pennsylvania Gaming Congress. He said money from the state's new slot machine parlors would help fund the arena.

The Penguins had threatened to leave Pittsburgh if they couldn't secure a new rink. Their lease at 46-year-old Mellon Arena, the oldest facility in the league, expires June 30 and the team is free to leave after that.

Team officials visited Kansas City, Mo., and Las Vegas to discuss a possible move. The Penguins were offered free rent and half of all revenues if they agreed to play in Kansas City's soon-to-be-completed $262 million Sprint Center.

Rendell said he would fly to Pittsburgh later Tuesday to meet with Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, the team owners and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

"We will announce that all three governmental entities have reached an agreement for a deal that will keep the Penguins in Pittsburgh" for 30 years.

The Penguins began playing in Pittsburgh in 1967, and won Stanley Cup titles in 1991 and 1992. Their home attendance and local TV ratings are among the strongest of the NHL's 24 U.S. franchises.

KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh first reported the agreement on its Web site.

According to multiple reports, the sides have reached agreement on terms for a new arena that will be ready for operation for the 2009-10 season.

According to media reports, the Penguins would contribute $3.8 million per year toward construction of the $290 million arena and another $400,000 yearly for capital improvements.

Sources told KDKA that the price tag for the project will exceed the $290 million originally discussed. The station reports that a meeting between all sides will be held on Wednesday to formalize the agreement.

 

[AussieCardinal]

Thank God!

 

[PHXSportsFan4]

Good news for Penguins fans and the city of Pittsburgh. I'm glad they are staying and really really glad they will have a new arena because the Mellon Arena is hideous. The Kansas City Penguins or whatever city just wouldn't seem right.

 

[Ryanwb]

I saw John Melloncamp in the Civic Arena, really cool setting for a concert.... sucky for Hockey. The roof opens!

 

[PHXSportsFan4]

I saw John Melloncamp in the Civic Arena, really cool setting for a concert.... sucky for Hockey. The roof opens!

Really, I didn't know that. I saw Mellencamp in Louisville, KY 2 years ago and he puts on a pretty good show. I like him a lot.