By BJ Austin
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-714159.mp3
Dallas, TX – Reunion Arena has lost about a million dollars a year since the nearby American Airlines Center opened its doors. City Managers have ordered bookings to stop June 30th, and are recommending Reunion be demolished and the property sold.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway says not so fast he believes Reunion could be a money maker for the city IF Stars owner Tom Hicks, and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban would lighten up on a non-compete clause in the arena deal negotiated between the city of Dallas and team owners.
Caraway: We don't have the Cowboys. We don't have the Dallas Burn. We just can't continue to be strangled by bad deals.
The arena deal agreement prevents the city from booking certain events at Reunion - even if the AAC doesn't want them. Economic Development Committee Chairman Ron Natinsky says demolition MAY be premature. He, and other council members say a new appraisal of the property and arena - due in August -- will be a key in any decision about Reunion's future.