There’s been a lot of talk lately about the possibility of the Texas Rangers relocating from Arlington to Dallas. Which makes this story we heard from a former Dallas CEO all the more interesting. Seems this guy, who asked to remain anonymous, was on a cruise ship in Scandinavia the other day when a fellow passenger remarked on the National League baseball jersey he was wearing.
“You like baseball?” the passenger asked.
“Yes,” our source replied.
“You like the Rangers?”
“Yeah. I used to live in Dallas, in fact.”
“That’s interesting, because I help negotiate deals,” the passenger said. “And I’m involved now in a conversation between the Rangers and the city of Dallas about relocating the team to Dallas. They think they could have more of a fan base in Dallas.”
“That’s great, but I’m shocked that they’re actually talking,” our source said. “Their stadium’s not that old. Tell me more.”
At that point, our source says, the man closed up like a clam. Flat quit talking and walked away.
So, is Dallas in talks with the Rangers about moving the ball club?
“There has been informal discussion about the Rangers moving to Dallas stretching over two decades,” replies Sana Syed, a spokeswoman for the city of Dallas. “We would love to have them. But at this point, no serious discussions have happened.”
What constitutes an “informal discussion,” then?
“Those are happening. It could be a city official and a staff executive of the Rangers, [for example],” Syed went on. “They have a stadium that’s not covered, and the fans are really hot. So they’re looking for a covered stadium. But as far as serious discussions about that, we’re not there right now. No negotiations are taking place.”
