Tech Hockey on Thin Ice
By: Lisa Carr
Updated: December 9, 2008
The relationship between the City and Texas Tech hockey is on thin ice, yet again. Yesterday, the club was locked out of the coliseum when they failed to pay almost $11,000 in late rent. Mayor Tom Martin says the city has terminated their contract with the team. Now today, Head Coach Paul Fioroni responded in a written statement saying they just need more time to come up with the money. They're a non-profit organization operating solely on donations. Mayor Martin says the team has run out of chances.He says, "My only surmising is that they just haven't attracted the crowd to be able to raise the money to make their rent payment. The contract is void and they no longer have the use of the coliseum. At this point, I'd say that's the end of the story."
But, Coach Fioroni says this is not the end of the story. He says city managers have told him when he pays the rent, they will be allowed back into the coliseum. He's hoping to have the full payment by December 13th.
