Fish News

DALLAS -- A state district judge in Dallas has issued a temporary restraining order preventing four limited partnerships controlled by Ross Perot Jr. from locking out hundreds of fans from pre-paid parking spots at the American Airlines Center on the eve of one of the city's biggest sports weekends.

The order signed Dec. 21, 2011, by Judge Martin Lowy in Dallas' 101st District Court was issued the day after the Perot-controlled units announced the lockout plan in a letter delivered to Center Operating Company, the group responsible for operations at the American Airlines Center, home of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and NHL's Dallas Stars.

"This order makes sure that no Grinch is going to steal Christmas for Mavs and Stars fans," says attorney Tom Melsheimer of Fish & Richardson in Dallas, who requested the court order on behalf of COC. "Our clients have honored their agreement with Mr. Perot's companies and we believe they should do the same."

The court order allows hundreds of fans to use their pre-paid parking when the Stars battle the Nashville Predators tomorrow night in a Western Conference matchup, and when the Mavericks raise their 2011 NBA World Championship banner before a national television audience in a Dec. 25 finals rematch against the Miami Heat.

The court order notes "...there is a substantial likelihood that Plaintiff (COC) will succeed on its claims of breach of contract." The judge has scheduled a hearing on the injunction for Jan. 3, 2012.

COC is a limited partnership controlled by the Mavericks and Stars. The Mavericks are owned by Dallas billionaire Mark Cuban. The Stars were purchased prior to the season by Vancouver businessman Tom Gaglardi.