Lemieux, ownership group meet with Kansas City officials

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) _ Mario Lemieux and other members of the Pittsburgh Penguins' ownership group are meeting with Kansas City officials and representatives of the Sprint Center. <br/><br/>Kansas

Thursday, January 4th 2007, 6:04 am

By: News On 6

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) _ Mario Lemieux and other members of the Pittsburgh Penguins' ownership group are meeting with Kansas City officials and representatives of the Sprint Center.

Kansas City is believed to be the first city to extend an invitation for a visit by the Penguins' ownership team. Other cities that have expressed interest in the Penguins are Houston, Winnipeg, Portland, Oregon, and possibly Oklahoma City.

Remaining in Pittsburgh is also a possibility for the Penguins.

The future of the National Hockey League franchise in Pittsburgh has been in doubt after the Pennsylvania Gaming Commission rejected a slot application by Isle of Capri Casinos, which had promised to build a $290-million arena for the Penguins if its bid were approved.

Pittsburgh plays in the 45-year-old Mellon Arena, the NHL's oldest venue.

Meanwhile, Kansas City has the $272-million Sprint Center under construction and set to open in the fall.