Aggie Wrestling Hires Tirapelle As Assistant Coach Jun 26, 2008
(photo courtesy of Illinois sports information). June 25, 2008. (Ucdavisaggies.com)
Former Illini great passes away Jun 17, 2008
Mel Agee was remembered Monday as a friend who would reach out to help his former Illinois teammates and who remained a huge fan of Illinois sports teams after settling in Georgia. Agee, a graduate of Chicago's Washington High School who played defensive tackle for Illinois in 1987-90, died of an apparent heart attack Sunday at his home in Lawrenceville, Ga. (Illinois Sports -- Rivals.com)
Cubs documents: Wrigley condition not dire Jun 11, 2008
Sources indicated the books make no specific representation as to the condition of Wrigley Field and the work that needs to be done, even though the urgency of major capital expenditures on repairs and improvements was front and center as owner Tribune Co. sought to transfer ownership of the ballpark to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. Those negotiations broke down Monday. (Chicago Tribune)
Wrigley Field back on the market Jun 11, 2008
The Tribune Co. has rejected a no-tax proposal to purchase Wrigley Field by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) -- which owns and operates the Chicago White Sox's home ballpark, U.S. Cellular Field -- according to former Illinois Gov. James Thompson. Thompson, the ISFA's lead negotiator and chairman, said in a statement that the Tribune Co. believes the sale "requires either the transfer of future sales and amusement tax revenue from transactions at Wrigley Field for the next 30... (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Talks To Sell Tribune's Wrigley Field Fall Apart Jun 11, 2008
NEW YORK Negotiations between the Tribune Co. and the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) over the sale of Wrigley Field have fallen apart. According to a statement released by Tribune, ISFA's proposal fell short of the criteria to serve the public in addition to "violating the policies of Major League Baseball.". (MediaWeek.com)
Press Statement of Governor James R. Thompson, Chairman, Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Jun 10, 2008
CHICAGO, June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago Tribune organization and representatives of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority met today to determine whether we could reach an agreement on a plan for ISFA (the current owner of U.S. Cellular, the home of the Chicago White Sox) to acquire and restore Wrigley Field. The Tribune believes that ISFA's participation in such an acquisition requires either the transfer of future sales and amusement tax revenue from transactions at Wrigley Field for the... (PR Newswire)
Tribune, Illinois Swing and Miss on Wrigley Sale Jun 10, 2008
The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) said Tribune believes the acquisition would require the transfer of sales and amusement tax revenue from Wrigley Field for the next 30 years. The authority also said that Tribune thinks the deal would require new taxes or transferring funds the authority has already pledged to projects at another baseball stadium on Chicago's South Side. (ABC News -- Wire)
Talks over sale of Wrigley to Illinois break down Jun 10, 2008
The problem is coming up with a transaction that would not involve taxpayer money and thus could gain approval from city and state officials, said former Gov. Jim Thompson, executive director of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. Officials with Chicago-based Tribune told the ISFA its acquisition of the ballpark may require new taxes or the transfer of sales and amusement tax revenue from Wrigley Field for the next 30 years, Thompson said. (ESPN -- Baseball)
Tribune Co. faces big cuts, fast Jun 6, 2008
Tribune Co., which looks to retain a small stake in the team primarily for tax reasons, will continue to explore a deal with the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority for Wrigley Field, Zell said. "But we do not do it at the expense of unnecessarily delaying any of our other options.". (Chicago Tribune)
Hudson drafted Jun 6, 2008
University of Illinois sports information release-Junior center fielder Kyle Hudson (Mattoon, Ill. was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft with the 116th overall pick on Thursday. (Illinois Sports -- Rivals.com)
Fighting Illini Insider debuts Monday Jun 5, 2008
- The Big Ten Network will debut the show "Fighting Illini Insider" on Monday June 9 at 8:30 p.m. CDT. Illini Productions will produce the 30-minute magazine show, which will air monthly and feature stories from all 19 Illinois sports. Illinois linebacker , who will host the first two shows, interviews Illini coaches (softball) and (baseball) in the first episode. (Fightingillini.com)
Zook Enjoys Landing and Launch From Stennis Carrier (the full story) Jun 4, 2008
By Cassie Arner, Illinois Sports Information. Teamwork, Dedication, Passion and Loyalty. (Fightingillini.com)
Wrigley for sale Jun 4, 2008
Former Illinois Governor James R. Thompson, chairman of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) that has made two proposals for Wrigley, estimates they would cost at least $400 million. The Cubs don't necessarily agree it would be that high, but they haven't put a price tag on it publicly. (USA Today -- Sports)
Cubs chairman says no timetable on sale of team May 29, 2008
The team earlier this month rejected a plan from the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority to purchase Wrigley Field, the second oldest ball park in the majors. The ISFA is headed by former Gov. James Thompson. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Saluki Sports... May 24, 2008
Herrin's Mike Sortal, who has been involved in southern Illinois sports for many decades, was the ring-master and official greeter although there's little room for formalities when this group gathers. We spent an hour listening to Dick Dietz (McLeansboro), Ken Hungate (Benton), Ernie Reynolds (Carterville) and Ford Peebles (Murphysboro) entertain with stories of the late Bob Blondi (Benton) and his officiating tactics, both on and off the court. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Tribune nixes sale of Wrigley to state May 15, 2008
Crane Kenney, the Cubs' chairman and outgoing general counsel of parent Tribune, said there still is a chance Wrigley could be sold separately to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. But after months of talks with the ISFA that have failed to produce an agreement, he confirmed Tribune is moving ahead to package the stadium together with the ballclub in a private sale that outside experts believe could fetch as much as 1 billion for the cash-crunched media conglomerate. (Pekin Times, IL)
Yankees' Rodriguez out another week May 14, 2008
Crane Kenney, the Cubs' chairman and outgoing general counsel of parent Tribune, said there still is a chance Wrigley could be sold separately to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. St. Louis Cardinals lefthanded reliever Tyler Johnson, sidelined since spring training by a shoulder injury, will undergo arthroscopic surgery and miss the rest of the season. (Boston Globe)
Former governor: Agency deal for Wrigley not dead May 14, 2008
By Mike Dodd, USA TODAY The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) will continue to negotiate with the Tribune Company and Chicago Cubs for the purchase of Wrigley Field despite the rejection of its latest proposal. Former governor James Thompson, chairman of the state/city agency that operates U.S. Cellular Field, confirmed in an e-mail he had received a letter from Tribune CEO Sam Zell outlining the company's position but disputed suggestions the deal is dead. (USA Today -- Sports)
Report: Tribune turns down Wrigley offer May 14, 2008
CHICAGO -- Tribune Co. chairman Sam Zell has reportedly rejected the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority's plan to acquire Wrigley Field, and will package the ballpark and the Cubs together, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The Sun-Times reported Tuesday that Zell had rejected a plan, proposed by former Illinois Gov. James Thompson, the ISFA chairman, to purchase and renovate Wrigley Field without the use of tax money. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Cubs mailbag: Why alter Hill's delivery? May 13, 2008
That has been delayed while the Cubs try to work out a deal to sell Wrigley Field to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, because the new owner needs to know whether they're buying just the team, or the team and the ballpark. And you're right, it has not been a distraction. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Track teams in full force at Lewistown May 5, 2008
Macomb Journal-Macomb, Illinois - Sports. Monday, May 05, 2008. (Macomb Journal, IL)
State to present bid for Wrigley Field May 2, 2008
CHICAGO -- Former Gov. James Thompson, chairman of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, said the agency has come up with a plan to purchase and renovate Wrigley Field without using state or local tax dollars. Thompson said on Tuesday the bid would be delivered "shortly" to Tribune Co. Cubs chairman Crane Kenney, who told the Chicago Tribune he had not received details of a revised plan. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Softball travels to Illinois May 2, 2008
Brendan Stiles - The Daily Iowan. Issue date: 5/2/08 Section. (Daily Iowan, IA)
Zell says Trib Co. may sell Cubs, Wrigley together Apr 18, 2008
The sale of the , first announced last year, has been on hold for months as Mr. Zell negotiated to sell to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority ... We are trying to do what we think is the optimal transaction with the Illinois Sports Authority, Mr. Zell said on a conference call with investors Thursday. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Zell cites weak revenues at Tribune, may sell more assets Apr 18, 2008
Zell says meaningful discussions are still under way to try to sell Wrigley to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. (ABC News -- Wire)
Sports Biz:Cubs stilla failure Apr 18, 2008
The idea floated this winter of selling the park to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA), which also runs U.S. Cellular Field for the White Sox, generated an uproar. ISFA Chair James Thompson, former Illinois governor, quickly proposed a $400 million renovation of Wrigley, which would mean abrogating Wrigley's landmark status. (MSNBC -- Business)
NIU-Notre Dame game a healing endeavor Apr 16, 2008
The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority also contributed their assistance to the game, which happens to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the same sort of tragic shootings on the Virginia Tech campus. Playing in front of close to 5,000 fans, an expected total when factoring in the 70 degrees and sunshine forecasted for Wednesday, is a rare treat for the NIU players. (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
Illini Arrive on Stanford Campus: NCAAs Day One Apr 15, 2008
Heading into the 2008 NCAA Men's Gymnastics Championships this Thursday, April 17 on the campus of Stanford University, Illinois Sports Information Director Kevin Martinez will take fans to the behind the scenes happening of the Illinois gymnastics team as the team prepares for the 2008 national championship competition. Martinez will document through a blog the travels of the team during their stay under the sunny skies of California, and keep fans up-to-date with the moves and events that fill... (Fightingillini.com)
Commissioner says nothing new on Cubs sale Apr 11, 2008
But the proposed sale of the historic ball park to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority has gotten bogged down. Former Gov. James Thompson, who heads the ISFA, said this week that the agency and Tribune are still negotiating. (Freeport Journal-Standard, IL)
Talks over Wrigley Field sale continue Apr 9, 2008
Thompson heads the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. Thompson says the agency and are still negotiating but there's no agreement yet. (Crain's Chicago Business)
New ... Cancellations Apr 9, 2008
Mother Nature struck again Tuesday, with rain showers washing out the north central Illinois sports scene. Bureau Valley called its girls track meet with Kewanee and Hall canceled off its boys meet with Princeton, Bureau Valley, St. Bede and Kewanee. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Peter Bynoe joins investment bank Apr 3, 2008
(Crains) Peter Bynoe, the politically connected lawyer who headed the Chicago Plan Commission and the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, has joined Loop Capital LLC to help the minority-owned investment bank grow nationally. Peter Bynoe Loop Capital wants to double its revenue to $100 million or more over the next three years, primarily by emphasizing merger and acquisition advisory work for corporate clients, according to Jim Reynolds Jr., who co-founded the firm 11 years ago. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Illinois stadium agency, Tribune exchange offers on Wrigley sale Apr 3, 2008
CHICAGO - The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority has exchanged proposals with the Tribune Company over the possible purchase of Wrigley Field. But steep political and financial hurdles to a deal remain. (Freeport Journal-Standard, IL)
Tribune's looming deadline Mar 30, 2008
At press time, the likely Wrigley buyer, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, had yet to announce an offer. And bidding on the team probably won't begin until the stadium deal gets clearance from state legislators and Major League Baseball. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Correct: Seat licenses not part of Wrigley Field talks Mar 29, 2008
(Crains) As Tribune Co. negotiates to sell to the Illinois Sports Facility Authority and talks continue on how to finance renovations at the historic park, one thing is not on the table: personal seat licenses. "We have never discussed personal seat licenses for any purpose," said Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Pettitte will start in minors Mar 28, 2008
Manager Terry Francona said Beckett will join the team in Toronto and may pitch there, but "that's not etched in stone."GOVERNOR GOES TO BAT FOR CUBS: Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Thursday he'll do all he can to keep the team playing at Wrigley Field as billionaire owner Sam Zell looks to sell the team and the 94-year-old ballpark to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, a state-city agency. Former Gov. Jim Thompson, ISFA chairman, is said to be expected to make a formal offer to Zell... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Governor: Cubs ought to play at Wrigley 'forever' Mar 28, 2008
Zell has been interested in selling the 94-year-old landmark to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, a state-city agency. "I believe the ought to play baseball at Wrigley Field, and the Cubs ought to play baseball at Wrigley Field forever and that if there's anything that I can do in the role of governor to try to guarantee and assure that the Cubs stay at Wrigley Field -- as long as we don't use taxpayer dollars to make that happen -- then that's good for the people of Illinois," said... (ESPN -- Baseball)
Hawks fall to N. Illinois Mar 27, 2008
Diane Hendrickson - The Daily Iowan. Issue date: 3/27/08 Section. (Daily Iowan, IA)
Zell seeks home-run deals for Cubs, Wrigley Mar 25, 2008
Yet whether or not Zell is able to win approval for a sale of Wrigley to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, clearing the way for a Cubs sale, few are willing to bet against the real estate billionaire and renowned dealmaker in the end. "It's gotten a lot more complicated because of his effort to maximize the proceeds" from selling Wrigley and the Cubs, said analyst Dave Novosel of the Gimme Credit bond research firm. (AZCentral -- Business)
Mailbag: Will Hoffpauir make club? Mar 18, 2008
What Cubs chairman Crane Kenney said was if the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority buys Wrigley Field, and if the renovation plan gets the go-ahead, and if the architectural firm HOK Sports feels it's necessary, then maybe the Cubs would play some of their games at U.S. Cellular Field. That's three "ifs" and a "maybe.". (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Reinsdorf confident about Glendale move Mar 16, 2008
In order for this possibility to even exist, Wrigley Field would have to be sold to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. U.S. Cellular Field already is run and operated by the ISFA, and Reinsdorf said he would tackle this specific concept if the idea ever became more concrete. (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
Cubs likely to sell Wrigley name rights Mar 8, 2008
Kenney, speaking to beat writers about the state of the team, also said that the Cubs are progressing in their efforts to get the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) to buy the ballpark and operate it, and could receive an offer next week. Kenney said they are still hopeful a framework for the transaction with ISFA could be completed by Opening Day, which is March 31. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Sen. Mattie Hunter to return to alma mater for MC commencement Mar 7, 2008
Hunter is a member of the Illinois Sports Authority Sports Advisory Board, the Council on Aging, the Advisory Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependency, and the Council on Disabilities. Comments. (Monmouth Daily Review Atlas, IL)
2 patients in Tysabri study found to have JC virus Mar 5, 2008
A former Illinois governor, James Thompson, said the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which has been looking into a Wrigley purchase since December at Tribune owner Sam Zell's request, is still assessing the cost of needed restoration work at the 94-year-old stadium. (AP). (Boston Globe)
Agency to make offer on Wrigley in next 2 weeks Mar 5, 2008
Former Gov. James Thompson said the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which has been looking into a Wrigley purchase since December at Tribune owner Sam Zell's request, is still assessing the expected cost of needed restoration work at the 94-year-old stadium. Thompson said the agency, which also owns the Chicago White Sox's U.S. Cellular Field, remains determined to do the deal at no cost to taxpayers and to retain Wrigley's character. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Illinois agency to make Wrigley Field offer soon Mar 5, 2008
That's the word today from former Governor James Thompson, chairman of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. Thompson says the agency is still assessing the cost of needed restoration work at the 94-year-old stadium. (ESPN -- Baseball)
Wrigley naming rights mulled Mar 4, 2008
And Wrigley, too, most likely in a separate transaction or in a purchase by the Illinois Sports Facility Authority. But what really has some people angry is that Zell is considering selling the naming rights to the second-oldest ball park in the majors, dating back to 1914. (AZCentral -- Sports)
'Winds end regular season with the Jaguars Mar 2, 2008
Macomb Journal-Macomb, Illinois - Sports. Sunday, March 02, 2008. (Macomb Journal, IL)
Notes: Piniella stumps for Hendry Feb 27, 2008
Cubs chairman Crane Kenney has said the team is talking to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority about operating Wrigley Field and leasing the stadium to the new team owner. "We think it's best for us, we think it's best for any owner, and most of all, we think that's best for the city of Chicago," Zell said of the plan. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Cubs, Wrigley Field may be sold separately Feb 16, 2008
Zell's first choice is to sell Wrigley to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, a public agency that owns the crosstown U.S. Cellular Field where the White Sox play. The agency also helped to fund the extensive renovation of Soldier Field, Chicago's pro football stadium. (AZCentral -- Business)
Indiana Survives 2-OT Scare In Illinois Feb 8, 2008
E-Mail News Alerts Get breaking news and daily headlines. Men's NCAA Basketball. (KSBW 8, CA)
Signing Day Blog Feb 6, 2008
University of Illinois Sports Information football contact Cassie Arner chronicles Signing Day happenings from the Irwin Football Complex. CHeck it out right here. (Fightingillini.com)
West Prairie storms on Feb 6, 2008
Macomb Journal-Macomb, Illinois - Sports. Wednesday, February 06, 2008. (Macomb Journal, IL)
DIA Announces Third Annual Signing Day Coverage Jan 31, 2008
Illinois sports information assistant director Mike Koon will host two segments of interviews with Illini assistant coaches at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The website also will feature a 50-minute radio show simulcast by WDWS beginning at 4:10 p.m. The radio show, hosted by Steve Kelly, will have interviews with , current Illini and assistant coaches. Zook's press conference announcement of the Class of 2008 will take place at 3:30 p.m. The live audio and video will be available free to viewers of... (Fightingillini.com)
Mailbag: Dempster in the rotation? Jan 29, 2008
The Tribune Co. is trying to work out a deal with the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority to operate and maintain Wrigley Field, and then have whoever buys the Cubs agree to a lease that would keep the team at the ballpark. How long. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Eason isn't eager to relive his day in the spotlight Jan 23, 2008
A call to a member of the University of Illinois sports information department to ask what Eason, a former Illini, is doing today drew a similar response. "That's a good question. We have no idea. He did come back for a game not too long ago, but that's about all we've heard from him.". (ESPN -- Football News)
Notes: Cubs address potential sale Jan 21, 2008
Sam Zell, who purchased the Tribune Co. and its properties, including the Cubs, is exploring selling the ballpark to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. The ISFA owns and operates U.S. Cellular Field and also was the principle funding source for the rehabilitation of Soldier Field. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Official: Cubs will not be sold before Wrigley Jan 21, 2008
Crane Kenney told attendees of the team's annual fan convention that new Tribune owner Sam Zell wants 94-year-old Wrigley in the hands of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority -- the same state agency that funded stadiums for the Bears and -- before he accepts bids for the Cubs. Kenney said such a move is designed to "bind" the team's next owner to keeping the Cubs playing at Wrigley -- which also would receive maintenance and improvement funds. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Men's swimming dominates Western Illinois Jan 21, 2008
Mike Brownlee - The Daily Iowan. Issue date: 1/21/08 Section. (Daily Iowan, IA)
Cubs sale not expected by Opening Day Jan 20, 2008
However, Cubs chairman Crane Kenney said on Saturday that Zell and the Tribune are talking to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority about taking over Wrigley Field ... Kenney said having the Illinois Sports Facility Authority, which currently controls U.S. Cellular Field, home of the crosstown White Sox, handle Wrigley's operations would make the most sense, because it would keep the Cubs at the ballpark. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Cubs to add seats, signs at Wrigley Jan 5, 2008
The changes were approved as Gov. Blagojevich and Mayor Daley mull the Tribune Co.'s request to have the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority acquire and renovate Wrigley Field. Cubs vice president Mike Lufrano says in addition to the seats, the club will be extending digital signage on the sides of the grandstand. (Chicago Tribune)
MHS deflects Knoxville Jan 4, 2008
Macomb Journal-Macomb, Illinois - Sports. Friday, January 04, 2008. (Macomb Journal, IL)
'I think everyone would still call it Wrigley' Dec 22, 2007
Tribune officials already are in talks on a plan to sell the ballpark to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, the state-run entity that owns U.S. Cellular Field, which likely would seek to sell the naming rights. Continued. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Tribune Co. to sell Cubs before season Dec 21, 2007
Last week, Tribune asked the state of Illinois to explore the possibility of acquiring Wrigley Field through the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which is the government-backed sports agency. The sports body was created by state lawmakers in 1987 for the purpose of building a new Comiskey Park, now U.S. Cellular Field, which is home to the Chicago White Sox. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Saluki Sports... Dec 16, 2007
We expect that to be for at least a few seasons, but who knows what the future holds for the lovable guy who became the Pied Piper of southern Illinois sports fans in just a few years time. Similar success at NIU could easily result in an even greater offer for Kill now that he is at the top level of college football. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
