Knights fans hold rally to try and save the day
By Paul Marslano / courtesy of The New Haven Register
May 10, 2002 edition Link to the article
NEW HAVEN — With a crowd of about 75 gathered outside his office to protest a proposal to demolish the New Haven Coliseum, Mayor John DeStefano Jr. said Thursday that a final decision could come in 30 days or so.
"I have brought in accountants to look at the finances, the liabilities and the market before we decide," DeStefano said.
Most of those assembled on the steps of City Hall were fans of the New Haven Knights hockey team, many holding signs or dressed in Knights' memorabilia.
In an effort to keep the Coliseum doors open, the fans chanted such phrases as "We want a lease, we want a lease," or "Four more years, four more years."
Just before they arrived at City Hall, several police cars were positioned near the building.
Within 20 minutes, the police cars left because the fans made no derogatory remarks and did not block people from leaving or entering the building.
The mayor's position is clearly one of finances. SMG, the operator of the Coliseum, has asked for $2 million over 2½ years to keep the building functioning.
In addition, the city pays $1 million a year for debt service on the original cost some 30 years ago.
"We refunded the loan for lower interest rates because we were paying $1.5 million a year," DeStefano said. "So we still have eight years before it's paid off."
Outside, Knights assistant coach Bobby Ferraris gave the fans a pep talk before they went to City Hall.
"I told them the players and coaches were behind them. There is also someone ready to help us out," Ferraris said.
Ferraris was referring to wealthy businessman Jim Galante of Danbury, who has expressed interest in purchasing the Knights.
"The city isn't going to knock down the building for a few years, so why not keep it open?" Ferraris said.
Don Bonosrio, a member of the Knights' Booster Club, agrees with Ferraris.
"I've been told that he (Galante) is looking around the area to build a 4,000 or 5,000 seat arena, but needs three more years in the Coliseum.
"He (Galante) asked for a five-year lease and the city said no. He asked for a three-year lease and the city said no again," Bonosrio said.
Cheryl Bernardi, a Coliseum proponent, would bring her children, Frank, 11, and Joclyn, 9, to Knights' games.
"We also loved the concerts," Bernardi said. "I've been going to New Haven hockey games for 15 years and still cheer for the L.A. Kings (a former parent team of the New Haven Nighthawks)."
DeStefano is not ready to make any hasty decisions. The accountants' report may seal the Coliseum's fate.
"The governor's budget would cut $5 (million) to $6 million from the city. The Legislative budget wants us to cut $2 million. There's no question if the money goes to the Coliseum or for schools," DeStefano said.
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