EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ-In papers filed yesterday with the Bergen County Superior Court, the New York Giants asked that the Meadowlands Xanadu complex, when it's completed, be ordered closed on days when the NFL team is playing at home. Site work is just under way on Xanadu, a $1-billion entertainment, shopping, office and hotel complex that will rise within the Meadowlands Sports Complex. The site is adjacent to that of the current Giants Stadium as well as the proposed site of a new stadium for the team.
Citing the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and Xanadu developers Mills Corp. and Mack-Cali Realty Corp. as defendants, the Giants' complaint seeks "declaratory relief to prevent the construction and operation of the Xanadu entertainment and retail complex from interfering with the rights of the Giants under their lease. This action arises out of the NJSEA's multiple failure to honor its contractual obligations to the Giants.
"The commitment to the Giants made in 1971 to play their home games in northern New Jersey permitted the Meadowlands to become a vibrant economic center for the state," the complaint continues. "As part of making their commitment to northern New Jersey, however, the Giants insisted on contractual rights that were intended to ensure that the Giants and their fans would be able to enjoy [the] 'home game day' experience and that the NJSEA would not pursue other development and revenue opportunities at the expense of the Giants and their fans."
"Our rights under the lease are clear," says John Mara, the team's EVP/COO. "Simply stated, our lease does not permit Xanadu to operate on game days and we are asking that the court affirm our rights now, before Xanadu's tenants begin planning, spending and operating in a manner that interferes with our rights."
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