Pengs Future in doubt; No longer for Sale; Relocating?

Originally Posted by Future in Doubt

PITTSBURGH -- The Penguins' future in Pittsburgh was in doubt following the state's rejection Wednesday of a slot-machine casino application by Isle of Capri Casinos, which had promised to build a $290 million arena if it got a license.

The Penguins ownership group, headed by Hall of Fame player Mario Lemieux, were discouraged by the outcome and said the franchise would begin weighing all options -- including possible sale to owners who would move the two-time Stanley Cup champions.

The Isle of Capri rejection came only five days after wealthy Canadian businessman Jim Balsillie unexpectedly pulled out of his $175 million deal to buy the franchise, apparently because the NHL wanted him to commit to not moving the Penguins. Balsillie had been expected to close on the deal late last week.

"At this point, our franchise enters a period of uncertainty, with our lease at Mellon Arena set to expire this summer," chief executive officer Ken Sawyer said. "We will re-evaluate all of our options before deciding on a course of action and making further comment." Scott Burnside's take

Even as city and county politicians held a news conference to announce they would immediately begin to finalize an alternate arena deal for the Penguins, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman warned that the Penguins' future is in doubt.

"The decision by the Gaming Commission was terrible news for the Penguins, their fans and the NHL," Bettman said in a statement. "The future of this franchise in Pittsburgh is uncertain and the Penguins now will have to explore all other options, including possible relocation. The NHL will support the Penguins in their endeavors."

After the decision was announced, the Penguins practiced at Mellon Arena, the 45-year-old building the team says must be replaced for it to remain viable in Pittsburgh.

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The board voted unanimously to award the city's only slot-machine license to Detroit-based casino developer Don H. Barden's PITG Gaming. Barden's group proposes building a casino and entertainment development on the city's North Shore, near Heinz Field and PNC Park. Both the Steelers and Pirates were strongly opposed to his plan.

Barden had promised to contribute some money for a new arena over 30 years under a plan proposed by city and county officials that would include public funds. But that plan also calls for the Penguins to help pay for the facility.

"I am committed to what we said we were going to do," Barden said Wednesday. "We're going to fund $7.5 million a year for 30 years toward financing a new multipurpose arena."

He said he will meeting soon with Allegheny County executive Dan Onorato and Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl to get the process moving.

"It will be the largest of our operations and we're going to put a lot of attention on this project," Barden said. "We're going to get it going right away."

Onorato and Ravenstahl all but promised the Penguins will get a new arena. A parcel of land near Mellon Arena has already been obtained for the arena, and officials said a groundbreaking ceremony could be held as early as next month if they can reach an agreement with the Penguins.

"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind we will get an arena done," Ravenstahl said.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

Originally Posted by No Longer for Sale

The other shoe dropped in Pittsburgh on Thursday -- and fears that the Penguins are playing their last season in the Steel City were legitimized when team owner Mario Lemieux said the team is no longer for sale and will look outside Pennsylvania for a new home while continuing to seek a new arena in Pittsburgh.


"Recent developments, including yesterday's decision by the [state gaming control board] and the recent termination of the purchase agreement by Jim Balsillie, have convinced us that it is time to take control of our own destiny," Lemieux said in a statement. "Accordingly, starting [Thursday], the team is off the market, and we will begin to explore relocation options in cities outside Pennsylvania."


The team had lobbied for Isle of Capri Casinos to be granted a license to operate slot machines in Pittsburgh, as the developer had pledged to build a new arena at no cost to the Penguins to replace 45-year-old Mellon Arena. But the board instead awarded the license to Detroit-based casino developer Don H. Barden's PITG Gaming. Barden's group proposes building a casino and entertainment development on the city's North Shore, near Heinz Field and PNC Park -- a plan the Steelers and Pirates both strongly opposed.


"After seven years of trying to work out a new arena deal exclusively in Pittsburgh, we need to take into consideration the long-term viability of the team and begin discussions with other cities that may be interested in NHL teams," Lemieux said in the statement.

The Isle of Capri rejection came only five days after Balsillie unexpectedly pulled out of his $175 million deal to buy the franchise, apparently because the NHL wanted him to commit to not moving the Penguins. Balsillie had been expected to close on the deal late last week.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.