Take Me Out To The WHTI Ballgame

Seriously, who would want to come to Windsor on July 20 to discuss the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative at the Big conference to be hosted by Eddie Francis. You remember, it is the one that had to be "postponed" because Eddie's staff forgot about a US holiday weekend!

However, I am sure that there will be a lot of mayors in town this time around. How can that be done you might ask? Very easily. I am told that an "Evening Event" was added to draw the crowds.

On the agenda for July 19, is this item: "DETROIT TIGERS VS. CHICAGO WHITE SOX baseball game! That's right, the hottest ticket in town. The lucky Mayors will arrive at Comerica Park to watch the game from the Detroit Tigers Corporate Box. [I sure hope the Tunnel is not blocked so they miss the first pitch! Oh well, there is always the free-flowing Bridge.]

Now who would not want to see two of the best teams in baseball from a corporate box at no cost! As the Star said today "Tiger fever makes tickets hot commodity." However, I wonder if this would cause a problem for some Mayors if it is perceived as a gift of more than nominal value. I remember politicians telling the media that they paid for their own Super Bowl tickets as an example.

20 Person Suite pricing starts at $1,600 which includes outdoor seating for 11. I believe food and drinks are extra. As the ad for a party suite says:

• "Eat your food in style in one of the 12 party suites at Comerica Park. Party suites, located down the leftfield line on the upper and lower suite level, are a great place to entertain clients, reward employees or celebrate a special occasion with family, friends or colleagues. Party suites can accommodate your group of 20 to 330. Suites have private restrooms, individually-controlled climate and indoor and outdoor seating."

What's the score? Will all of the invited major league guest speakers come or will they send minor league replacements or will their performance be "rained out?" Will Eddie hit a home run with this pitch to the Mayors to come or will he strike out again?

Oh and don't worry taxpayers. Eddie will tell you that Windsor is not paying for it! I'll let the Star ask who is putting up the funds and report that!