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May 2, 2009
Just Miles Apart, 2 Arenas Compete
The New York Times
By Jeffrey C. Mays
This article talks about the tricky political game being played out in New Jersey as politicians struggle to decide what to do about two state-owned arenas. In this difficult economy, New Jersey politicians can neither quite justify the expenditure of taxpayer money for the Izod Center, nor risk the backlash that would result from closing it in favor of Newark's Prudential Center. Part of the mix is what is to become of the New Jersey Nets, who currently make their home at the Izod Center.
The Izod Center, which opened in 1981 at the cost of $85 million, is operated by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and was financed with public dollars. The New Jersey Nets basketball team has a lease at the arena until 2013, but team officials said they plan to relocate to a Frank Gehry-designed arena in downtown Brooklyn in time for the 2011-2012 season. There is growing doubt about whether that arena will be completed.
Posted by steve at May 2, 2009 7:20 AM