At the arena
2005
June: Mario Lemieux says Penguins owners are talking to gambling companies about a bid for a slots license. December: Gov. Ed Rendell says a new arena could be built with tax breaks, a parking tax or surcharges on tickets and concessions, even if the team does not win a casino license. Later, the Pens announce they are partnering with Isle of Capri to seek a gambling license.
2006
January: Rendell says the Pens should have a back-up plan for a new arena in case the license falls through. February: The Penguins say they will not negotiate a “Plan B” to build an arena without slots money. March: Rendell says the two other Pittsburgh casino applicants should pledge a portion of their profits to a new arena if they win the license. April: Penguins President Ken Sawyer says the team cannot commit to staying in Pittsburgh because Plan B has too many holes. October: Jim Balsillie, announced as the new team owner, says he wants an arena-funding deal in place before the season ends or the team could move. Dec. 15: Lemieux says the deal to sell the team to Balsillie is off, two days after the Canadian businessman testified in support of the Isle of Capri license application. Dec. 20: The state Gaming Control Board awards the city’s slots license to Detroit businessman Don Barden’s Majestic Star Casino. Dec. 21: Lemieux says the team is off the market and will look to move to another city.
2007
Jan. 4: At a meeting between team owners and elected officials, Gov. Ed Rendell offers a new plan — the team would pay $2.86 million a year over 30 years; Majestic Star would pay $7.5 million a year; the state would pay $7 million a year; and Pittsburgh would pay $1.2 million a year from increased amusement taxes generated by the new arena. Jan. 18: A meeting between team ownership — not including Lemieux — and elected officials and Barden ends with no deal. Jan. 22: Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato ask the team for more money toward a new arena, during a meeting in New York. Feb. 4: A team-imposed 30day deadline for a deal passes. March 5: The Penguins announce an impasse, saying they agreed to increase the team's annual rent to $3.6 million and to pay $400,000 a year for capital expenses. The team also agreed to pay $500,000 a year, for 30 years, toward construction of a parking garage. March 7: Team co-owner Ron Burkle travels to Las Vegas. March 8: The Penguins, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and public officials meet in New Jersey, apparently securing a deal. March 9: Burkle watches Penguins game from box seats when he was supposed to be in Kansas City. Today: Sources say team will announce arena deal before tonight’s game against the Sabres.
SOURCE: TRIBUNE-REVIEW RESEARCH TRIBUNE-REVIEW