Astros Owner Jim Crane Joins Effort To Save The Houston Open

The Houston Chronicle's Dale Robertson reports on Jim Crane's push to secure sponsorship dollars for the Houston Open, openly fearing the community impact if the event were to disappear. 

The Astros owner says they have until mid-June to get a deal done.

Multiple sources, all requesting anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the matter publicly, have told the Chronicle that the Tour has given Houston until early-mid June to pull together a viable sponsorship package that figures to cost at least $12 million annually, much of that going toward ad buys during the NBC telecasts. Crane wouldn't confirm the deadline, saying only that it's in all parties' best interests "that something gets resolved soon ... July at the latest."