Thursday, May 8, 2008

Agency that could buy Wrigley would keep name

CHICAGO -- Former Governor Jim Thompson says the agency that could buy Wrigley Field wants the name and character of the historic ballpark to stay as is.

Thompson says he hasn't heard of any deals by Illinois Sports Facilities Authority to link Wrigley's name to a corporate sponsorship.

Thompson is chairman of the agency that has been in negotiations to buy the park from the Tribune Company.

He said Wednesday after a meeting of the ISFA board that the agency still wants a deal that wouldn't involve taxpayer money and thus could gain approval from city and state officials.

Tribune Chairman and CEO Sam Zell hopes to sell Wrigley separately from the Chicago Cubs.


Cubs reach agreement with rooftop club owner
Rays lock up Longoria for six years, $17.5 million
Brewers ace Sheets to skip start on Wednesday
The Big Hurt returns: Athletics agree with Thomas
MLBPA looks into unsigned free agents like Bonds