THE SIDELINES : Boston May Go to Domed Stadium

The city of Boston reportedly is looking into the possibility of building a domed stadium that might be used by the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox.

The Boston Herald and The Boston Globe today reported the city has contacted HOK Sports Facilities Group of Kansas City, Mo., about the possibility of a stadium and a site for it. The move apparently arises from concern that the Patriots of the National Football League might be moved from Foxborough, Mass., where they play home games in Sullivan Stadium.

Patriots owner Victor Kiam has said he is unhappy with some aspects of Sullivan Stadium and reportedly is trying to renegotiate the lease, which expires in 2000.

The Globe said the Red Sox would have to be the major tenant of a domed stadium, but the American League baseball team had not been contacted about the study. The Herald said city officials were considering an effort to get a National League baseball franchise if stadium plans get moving.