New offer, but still no deal for Pirates
The team's CEO says 'I've got the ball' after the civic center responds to his revenue plan with a 'simpler' proposal.
By Edward D. Murphy emurphy@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
PORTLAND – The two sides in negotiations to keep the Portland Pirates in the city remained far apart Friday after Cumberland County Civic Center trustees responded to the team owner's wide-ranging financial proposal with "a far simpler" plan of their own.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Pirates' owner indicated he would respond to the civic center's counteroffer early next week
But both parties agree on one thing: Time is running out to make a deal.
Brian Petrovek, managing owner and chief executive officer of the Pirates, has proposed restructuring the team's financial arrangement with the civic center, calling for a share of revenue from naming rights and concessions.
At the same time, Petrovek is considering a competing offer to move the team to Albany, N.Y.
The trustees of the county-owned arena met Friday morning and countered with a plan that "contemplated far simpler changes" than Petrovek's, built off the five-year lease that ends April 30, said Neal Pratt, chairman of the board.
Pratt said he conveyed the board's position to Petrovek during a half-hour phone conversation Friday afternoon.
"I wouldn't say it's a drop-dead final offer," Pratt said. "We meant it as our position and I wouldn't say that I'm open to any changes in it, but if he came back with something that we hadn't thought of or made sense, we would listen to it."
Petrovek told the Press Herald that he was surprised by Pratt's characterization of the negotiations, but said, "We all agree there's a sense of urgency" to finding a resolution.
"I've got the ball," he said after hearing the trustees' response to his plan. "I've got the ball and they don't."
The board and the team have been negotiating a new lease on and off for two years. In recent weeks, officials in Albany -- which will lose its American Hockey League franchise to Charlotte, N.C., after this season -- have been speaking with Petrovek about moving the Pirates to the Times Union Center.
The move would put the Pirates closer to their parent team, the Buffalo Sabres, although Petrovek said the National Hockey League team will support his decision regardless of where he locates the Pirates.
He said Friday that he has an offer from Albany, but no deal.
Petrovek said he wants to share in revenue that he believes the civic center isn't pursuing quickly enough, from naming rights to the arena and interior areas to concessions, which he says could include a new mix of vendors selling food and drinks, and increasing sales.
Petrovek also said he wants a long-term deal with the civic center, probably about 15 years.
The civic center now gets all of the revenue from concessions and provides the Pirates with a $40,000 annual payment, free practice time on the ice, attendance rebates and, until this year, marketing support.
The Pirates have a deal with Portland for a share of the revenue from the civic center's parking garage, which brought in more than $60,000 last year. The city also provides free parking for players and the team's staff; it was valued at more than $50,000 last year.
The team pays the civic center $20,000 a year for the right to sell advertising in the arena. Petrovek said that brought in about $900,000 in cash last year, and promotional and operational support that he valued at about $200,000 a year.
The civic center's trustees are reluctant to move quickly on selling naming rights or changing concessions because they're looking at developing a plan to renovate the arena, Pratt said. That could make naming rights more valuable, and would probably include a new approach to concessions, he said.
Because of the uncertainty about the plan, Pratt said the civic center would prefer a shorter-term lease.
Pratt said he didn't put a deadline on Friday's counteroffer by the trustees. He said Petrovek indicated that he probably will respond early next week.
Petrovek said he will watch the Pirates play this weekend in Syracuse, N.Y., and then in Buffalo, where he expects to update Sabres' management on the team's situation for next year.
He said he may also make a side trip to Albany "to continue the due diligence" on the offer to move the team there.
He said he is continuing to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each city.
"It's been an ongoing process that continues to connect the two different opportunities, and they both seem to still be alive," Petrovek said. Pratt said the civic center also is mindful of other opportunities.
The Lowell Devils, an American Hockey League team in Lowell, Mass., have an arena lease that expires this year, although Pratt refused to say whether the civic center has been in contact with officials from that team.
Pratt said four other AHL teams have leases that expire at the end of the 2010-11 season.
"We've been very intent on working out a deal to keep the Pirates in Cumberland County," he said. "We're mindful of every scenario in the event this doesn't work out."
Staff Writer Edward D. Murphy can be contacted at 791-6465 or at:
emurphy@pressherald.com
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25 COMMENTS
Felix said...
TOO BAD THE TAXPAYERS AND THEIR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS HAVE TO LET THE SPORTS TEAMS EXTORT SUBISIDIES IN ORDER TO GET THEM TO PLAY IN OUR MARKET! HOW ABOUT THIS, YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE YOUR TEAM HERE, YOU ARE BANNED FROM PLAYING HERE?
March 6, 2010 at 6:32 AM Report abuse
bWF5bmFoNTc%3D said...
OK Mr. Petrovik, you've got the ball. Take it home....to Albany, so Portland can get on with bringing our new team here.
March 6, 2010 at 7:55 AM Report abuse
DouglasA said...
Yeah, sure, Mr. Petrovek. You've "got the ball;" whatever on earth that means. During all this mercenary stickhandling (on both sides), think of how the Pirates have been playing a major role in making Portland a real sports town, the hockey tradition that was endangered when we lost the Maine Mariners (in 1992), and how loyal Pirates fans from near and far- including a whole lot of kids- are in the picture here! Think of the ramifications, if you renew the Pirates' commitment to Portland! Your value-added will be exponentially higher than whatever you'd get carpetbagging it to Albany. Don't forget your community.
March 6, 2010 at 8:15 AM Report abuse
Hawkeye9909 said...
Relax people......its called negotiating.
March 6, 2010 at 8:41 AM Report abuse
mickey said...
Good bye Pirates. Hope the door doesn't hit you in the you-know -what on the way to Albany. The civic center does not need your presence. There are many to take your place. Taxpayers do not need to help pay for your profits.
March 6, 2010 at 8:53 AM Report abuse
smosh said...
Pratt's awesome negotiating savvy - "I wouldn't say it's our drop-dead final offer" I'm so glad he's a trustee of a county asset.
March 6, 2010 at 8:56 AM Report abuse
henryelm said...
Didn't he just say days ago he WASN'T talking to albany and didn't know WHO was talking to albany?????? You mean he lied to fans??? GEEEZE get it together
March 6, 2010 at 9:04 AM Report abuse
SL said...
IT's all part of the process. Petro wants to make sure he isn't playing in a dump for 15 years. The board needs to be progressive in development like a private business is... Not arrogant like local government.
March 6, 2010 at 9:31 AM Report abuse
b3dvbGZlMDA3 said...
It would be irresponsible for the Trustees not to listen to a response from the Pirates, but it appears they're at the end of what they're willing to do. A victory for the taxpayers for a change.... Good for them!
March 6, 2010 at 9:41 AM Report abuse
b3dvbGZlMDA3 said...
Hey Smoosh - Maybe you should read the whole comment before attacking the keyboard in a fit to sound savvy yourself. Pratt said he's not open to changes but will listen if something makes sense. Have you ever negotiated anything before, other than maybe a bill collecter?
March 6, 2010 at 9:46 AM Report abuse
Dhiff said...
I for one hope the parties involved can work something out. The Pirates and MR Petrovek are much more involved in our community than the Sea Dogs, who the city has given the world to. If anything Portland leaders should work with County leaders to secure the Pirates. I would like to see the city renegotiate the one-sided deal they have with the Sea Dogs and look to invest in the Pirates and renovations. The Civic Center is used year-round and helps the area. Hadlock is used for 4 months and sits there like a rich kid's toy box for 7 months. Portland leaders need to stand up and help the County in this fight.
March 6, 2010 at 10:44 AM Report abuse
NickName123 said...
Just like the Scotia Prince - this city & state will mismanage a relationship with an organization that must make a profit. They have alternatives and will leave Portland...everyone posting the arrogant 'good riddance' should note the loss of hotel stays & restaurant meals that all get pulled into these games.....and whoever is thinking that there are lots of replacements for this loss is completely out of touch with reality....the civic center has alot of empty days..... How did the loss of the Scotia Prince work out for us?? same thing all over again....
March 6, 2010 at 11:33 AM Report abuse
NH said...
Don't let the door hit you on the way out, Petrovek. Portland will always be an attractive destination for some team. Albany, maybe not so much.
March 6, 2010 at 11:37 AM Report abuse
PortlandRock said...
If the Pirates leave, and all the related revenue is lost, and Portland is already $8M in the whole, how is that good for the taxpayers? Answer: It's not.
March 6, 2010 at 3:29 PM Report abuse
b3dvbGZlMDA3 said...
Hey PortlandRock: Identify precisely how much you're willing to add to your taxes to subsidize the profits of a local sports team.... You don't even know the numbers being negotiated and you're critcizing an informed decision to protect the taxpayers?? Please don't volunteer for any position that controls my tax dollars!!
March 6, 2010 at 3:58 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
Some of you people must think the CCC is a nice arena. Wake up!!! It's a dump compared to what some cities have. Manchester and Albany both have nicer, more modern arenas. The CCC hasn't had much done to it since it opened. Petrovek is playing the game because he's got options. What's Portland's? More high school sports and local nonsense? Few people are going to come to Portland for that. Note many big acts bypass Portland these days and go to Worcester or Manchester. Portland is a great town but too many of the Cumberland County trustees and commenters here have tunnel vision.
March 6, 2010 at 4:35 PM Report abuse
heyjoe said...
You've got the puck, now stick it!!!!
March 6, 2010 at 5:37 PM Report abuse
leaper said...
gee biddy manchester has big parking fees, and yes acts go to worcester not for DCU but Hanover Center { no skating]no mention of lowell but plastic seats and new ownership just dont cut it
March 6, 2010 at 6:50 PM Report abuse
b3dvbGZlMDA3 said...
Biddy - The CC is nationally ranked in arenas its size, despite its need for renovations. The Trustees have been trying to get approval for new facility, and failing that due to State politics, are now seeking expansive renovations. Your opinion is based on nothing but your lack of information. The concert industry is down nationally, and the CC still gets many big shows (American Idol; Toby Keith; Carrie Underwood; Daughtry, Disney on Ice; Stars on Ice, etc.). Do a little research before firing up your mouth next time....
March 6, 2010 at 8:57 PM Report abuse
YankeeTexan said...
Send them to Texas. We will support them. We already have 3 AHL teams. With nice new barns (the Houston and San Antonio teams share with the Rockets and Spurs) we will support them. All three teams are in the top 13 in attendance. (Hou 9, Tx (Austin) 11, SA 13..Portland 15) According to the ahl's website. As far as the CCC goes, it's a dump. It was old and outdated 15 years ago when I left Maine. Anybody who has been to a modern arena and compared it to the ccc knows this.
March 6, 2010 at 10:11 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
Hey pal. YOU do some research and take off the blinders. Seating capacity is a small factor in today's arena business. Teams depend on season committments and the biggest purchaser of those are businesses. No luxury boxes or suites in CCC. Overall it is rundown. Yeah CCC still gets some acts. But not enough to offset the loss of a major tenant and it gets less play then it did 10-15 years ago. And despite your correct analysis of the concert business being down, we're still behind other venues under the same conditions. I'm merely stating the facts. It's a competitive business and the CCC trustees are overvaluing what they have.
March 7, 2010 at 7:11 AM Report abuse
Mainedog said...
The CCC is one of the worst arenas in sports! Have you ever seen the facilities the teams have to deal with under the stands, I have and they’re crap! It’s a wonder why the Pirates have stayed this long! Albany’s arena is state of the art and the team would make more money by putting less fans in the seats! The only way any team stays in this area long term is for a new arena to be built. When will you people wake up and realize that the reason no big acts come to Maine is because we lack a proper facility to attract them. Small towns seem to be small minds as well!
March 7, 2010 at 9:44 AM Report abuse
Mainedog said...
The CCC is one of the worst arenas in sports! Have you ever seen the facilities the teams have to deal with under the stands, I have and they’re crap! It’s a wonder why the Pirates have stayed this long! Albany’s arena is state of the art and the team would make more money by putting less fans in the seats! The only way any team stays in this area long term is for a new arena to be built. When will you people wake up and realize that the reason no big acts come to Maine is because we lack a proper facility to attract them. Small towns seem to be small minds as well!
March 7, 2010 at 9:45 AM Report abuse
Mainedog said...
The CCC is one of the worst arenas in sports! Have you ever seen the facilities the teams have to deal with under the stands! It’s a wonder why the Pirates have stayed this long! Albany’s arena is state of the art and the team would make more money by putting less fans in the seats! The only way any team stays in this area long term is for a new arena to be built. When will you people wake up and realize that the reason no big acts come to Maine is because we lack a proper facility to attract them. Small towns seem to be small minds as well!
March 7, 2010 at 9:48 AM Report abuse
smosh said...
"b3dvbGZlMDA3 said... Hey Smoosh - Maybe you should read the whole comment before attacking the keyboard in a fit to sound savvy yourself. Pratt said he's not open to changes but will listen if something makes sense. Have you ever negotiated anything before, other than maybe a bill collecter?" I did read the entire comment. I maintain it was a poor choice of words in a negotiation. Better to have said nothing beyond "They have our offer" to the press. What's a bill collecter? A negoshiator? Sorry, no experience with a bill collecter.
March 7, 2010 at 11:04 AM Report abuse