PITTSBURGH -- One day before a scheduled Thursday night meeting with local politicians, the Pittsburgh Penguins explored a pair of options for relocation.

According to a spokesman for the mayor of Las Vegas, officials in that city met Wednesday with "people associated with" the Penguins. The spokesman would not clarify who those "people" were but confirmed there was a brief meeting.

Also, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that Pens co-owner Ron Burkle met Wednesday with officials from AEG, the company that will operate the new Sprint Center in Kansas City.

Local politicians involved in discussions for a new Pittsburgh arena admit they are concerned about the recent letter sent by the Penguins declaring an impasse in negotiations.

Both sides will meet Thursday night in Philadelphia to talk about the Pittsburgh deal. Talks are expected to begin at about 6 p.m.

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Channel 4 Action News reporter Sheldon Ingram is in Philadelphia to cover the arena meeting. Watch for his updates today on ThePittsburghChannel.com and tonight on WTAE Channel 4 Action News.

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"We want to get that resolved, that's why we want the meeting now," said Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato.

A spokesman for Gov. Ed Rendell agreed, saying, "The governor is concerned that this deal is not yet done."

Onorato said the Philadelphia meeting would include Burkle and fellow Penguins owner Mario Lemieux, as well as government officials and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

Onorato said the money is there, but the major hurdle seems to be the financing details of a lease agreement.

"We're going to get all the principles in a room real soon and hopefully not leave that room until this deal is done," said Onorato.

After months of negotiating, Onorato said it's now time to put posturing aside, get down to business and hammer out the deal.

"It would be a tragedy to lose this, because I think we're close, and I think it's a good deal, and we're going to remove the personalities if that's the problem and get this deal done real soon," said Onorato.

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