With Cincinnati city officials wondering where the Bengals can get a better stadium deal, the team has one answer:
Cleveland.
''They have more (luxury) suites, more club seats, higher sales price for their products, a larger preseason TV deal, a much higher radio contract,'' said Troy Blackburn, Bengals director of stadium development.
''It's a stronger market. But notwithstanding, we're trying to get the deal in our hometown and we're not focusing on moving. This is no ultimatum,'' Blackburn said.
The new Cleveland Browns, which could be an expansion team or an existing team that relocates, plan to open the 1999 season in a $282 million stadium on the old site.
Blackburn said when the old Browns fled Cleveland for Baltimore in 1995, they were 11th in the NFL in revenue. He hopes the Bengals' deal with Hamilton County vaults Cincinnati from near last to 15th.
The legal counsel for Cleveland's NFL effort said Tuesday it's too early to speculate if the city is an option for the Bengals in case Cincinnati's stadium deal implodes.
Fred Nance said there has been no indication Mayor Michael White has changed his position that Ohio is better off with two teams rather than one, a position the Bengals endorse.
''We're most interested in an expansion team, but it's up to the league,'' Nance said. The NFL is expected to make a decision about Cleveland's future within the year.
The Bengals refused to discuss options if they walk away from their lease Jan. 31 because of the city's failure to transfer riverfront land.
But the Bengals know there are vacant stadiums in Los Angeles and Toronto that could generate more money than Paul Brown Stadium. There is also Cleveland, where Paul Brown, father of Bengals President Mike Brown, is an icon and where Mike Brown was besieged by autograph seekers after the Browns' final home game.
''Are there better options than remaining at Cinergy Field?'' Mike Brown asked rhetorically. ''I think so. I don't want to exercise them, but I'm confident there are.''
Cleveland has three requirements if the NFL chooses to bring an existing team: The team can't breach a lease, must meet the NFL's re-location guidelines, and can't be a team supported by loyal fan base.
The Bengals qualify for the first two if the county lease is voided. And, the NFL said two years ago the Bengals meet re-location criteria if they don't have a stadium.
''We don't want to move,'' Brown said. ''There is no one who wants to see the Bengals stay in Cincinnati more than I and that's what we're working on.''
Indications are the NFL is ready to help in the Cincinnati crisis, like it did during stalemates in Tampa, Indianapolis, Cleveland and St. Louis.
''I think that time has come and gone,'' Blackburn said. ''We already made those arguments in January, February and March of '96 and voted for it in March of '96,'' Blackburn said. ''Right now we're just trying to make the city live up to its commitment.''
What happens to sales tax if deal falls through?
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