On the other hand it sounds like the LA Dodgers have already screwed the city of Glendale taxpayers - "Dodgers and White Sox signed on to operate Camelback Ranch for the city until 2028. That agreement requires the teams to pay the city per year in rent" "Glendale leaders touted the deal because cities typically operate spring-training stadiums for teams and lose money" - How can the Glendale rulers possibly says Glendale didn't get screwed in this deal by the Dodgers?

Source

Los Angeles Dodgers' bankruptcy could hurt Glendale

by Rebekah L. Sanders - Jun. 30, 2011 12:00 AM

The Arizona Republic

The Los Angeles Dodgers' bankruptcy could ripple all the way to Glendale, where the team trains in the spring.

The team filed for Chapter 11 reorganization Monday after months of financial woes and the nasty divorce of owners Frank and Jamie McCourt.

The Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox play at Camelback Ranch Glendale, which opened three years ago at 111th Avenue and Camelback Road.

Glendale and team officials said they expect no impact on the facility's operation.

But, as part of the bankruptcy, the Dodgers could ask for court approval to reject certain agreements, including with Glendale, said Valley bankruptcy attorney John Hebert of Polsinelli Shughart, who is not involved in the proceedings.

For instance, the Dodgers and White Sox signed on to operate Camelback Ranch for the city until 2028. That agreement requires the teams to pay the city per year in rent and jointly provide stadium services, such as event planning, concessions, security and parking control. Glendale leaders touted the deal because cities typically operate spring-training stadiums for teams and lose money.

The city borrowed 0 million to build the stadium. Hebert said the Dodgers could threaten to terminate the operating agreement with Glendale, especially if the stadium runs in the red. That could force Glendale to the negotiating table, he said.

"What do you do when you're faced with losing your anchor tenant or making concessions?" Hebert said. "If you're Glendale and you build this beautiful facility and you don't think you can find a team to replace them, you may be forced to make concessions to keep the Dodgers."

The Phoenix Coyotes' bankruptcy followed a similar pattern. In talks with potential team buyers, Glendale offered to take on costs to operate Jobing.com Arena that were once borne by the team.

But Hebert said the Dodgers may not want to cut ties with Glendale because finding another spring-training home can be difficult.

"Who would lease to a baseball team that's in bankruptcy?" he asked.

Officials from Glendale and both teams said fans and taxpayers should not worry that the court proceedings will hurt Camelback Ranch.

"We do not anticipate any changes in operation to the spring-training facility," city spokeswoman Julie Watters said in a statement.

A statement issued on behalf of Frank McCourt said the bankruptcy will cause "no disruption to the Dodgers day-to-day business, the baseball team or to the Dodger fans."

McCourt plans to use 0 million in interim financing, with court approval, to cover short-term expenses.

Scott Reifert, a White Sox spokesman, agreed that team executives expect no impact on spring training at Camelback Ranch due to their partner club's bankruptcy.

But Bud Selig, commissioner of Major League Baseball, lambasted McCourt for the bankruptcy filing, saying it "does nothing but inflict further harm to this historic franchise."