BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Bengals' stadium lease keeping the team in Cincinnati until 2026 received unanimous consent from the NFL Finance Committee Monday night, setting up league approval today or Wednesday in San Diego.

The recommendation initiates a series of moves expected to result in an announcement from the Bengals and Hamilton County after Memorial Day.

The nine-man committee chaired by New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson met Monday night with Bengals President Mike Brown, corporate secretary Katie Blackburn, and Troy Blackburn, director of stadium development.

Mr. Blackburn said financial elements of the lease are consistent with the memorandum of understanding the club signed with the county in September, pushing the Bengals from near last in NFL revenue to the middle.

"What struck the league was how straightforward the deal was," said Mr. Blackburn, who emerged from the meeting less than an hour after it started. "I think the NFL appreciated the Bengals' effort to craft a deal that keeps a stable team in a small market."

NFL scrutiny is limited to shared revenues, such as club seats and regular seats. Visiting teams get 34 percent of the gate.

But Mr. Blackburn said league approval has no bearing on unresolved local issues. Besides the ticket tax, the team's desire for a signature but expensive canopy is the most compelling question.

"We will bring this roof fetish to a conclusion when the lease is signed," said Hamilton County Commission President Bob Bedinghaus.

TICKET TAX INCREASE GAINS STEAM

Previous stories

NFL seal of approval waiting on tax answer May 17, 1997

Stadium team tries to trim $48M May 6, 1997

Bengals ask lease by May 20 April 30, 1997

Stadium redesign well received April 25, 1997

Bengals leery of Wedge April 9, 1997

Stadium price tag growing April 3,1997

Stadium gaining ground? April 2,1997

Bengals won't sign till tax dies March 25,1997

Mike Brown's 'Letter to the Editor' March 25, 1997

Bengals balk at tax plan March 24,1997

Bengals want county blitz on seat licenses March 21,1997

City balks at size of stadium March 15,1997

Seat sales on target for team to stay Feb. 19,1997

'The Jungle' moving to Central Ave. Feb. 14, 1997

Stadium site to be announced this week Published Feb. 9, 1997

Seat license sales pass $20M goal Published Feb. 7, 1997

Consultants favor Riverfront West Published Dec. 20, 1996

Seat licenses $300 to $1,500 Published Dec. 18, 1996

Rules, procedure for buying seat licenses Published Dec. 18, 1996

Designs draw oohs and ahhs Published Dec. 17, 1996

Architect's drawings revealed Published Dec. 8, 1996

Site selection is a decision of a lifetime Published Dec. 2, 1996