Chapter 11 Stadium

Enron has enough problems without being sued by a baseball team. But thanks to the dot-com collapse and the recession, Enron Field isn't the only sporting venue to have a losing season.

Company / Stadium Deal What's Happening Now PSINet Stadium / Baltimore Ravens $105.5 million over 20 years, signed in January 1999. PSINet declared bankruptcy in June 2001. Ravens are looking to buy back rights and find a more stable partner. 3Com Park / San Francisco 49ers $900,000 annually, signed in September 1995. In November 2001, 3Com told the team it would not renew its naming contract at the end of the 2001-2002 season unless the terms were renegotiated. Fruit of the Loom — Pro Player Stadium / Miami Dolphins $20 million over 10 years, signed in July 1996. Fruit of the Loom sold the Pro Player brand after filing Chapter 11 in December 1999. But the stadium kept the name, even though it's now up for grabs. TWA Dome / St. Louis Rams $26 million over 20 years, signed in 1995. TWA declared bankruptcy and was acquired by American Airlines. The Rams inked a deal with brokerage firm Edward Jones in January—$2.65 million per year for 12 years. ANC — National Car Rental Center / Florida Panthers $22 million over 10 years, signed in July 1998. ANC sought Chapter 11 protection in November 2001. The future of this naming rights deal is still unresolved. Enron Field / Houston Astros $100 million over 30 years, signed in 1999. The team just bought back the naming rights to what is now called Astros Field for $2.1 million. New signage on the way.

Copyright © 2002 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in Ziff Davis Smart Business.