In Dallas, a "virtual arena" has been launched on the
Internet to allow the Dallas community to participate in the
development of the city's new arena. The new Web site was
developed by i.con interactive and is located at
http://www.newdallasarena.com (The Arena Group)....Local
debate took place last night in MD regarding the development
of a 24-field "soccerplex" proposed for the area and backed
by Bethesda-based Discovery Communications Chair John
Hendricks and his wife, Maureen. The two created the idea
for the complex and have pledged $500,000 in support. Last
night's meeting was attended by MLS United players Marco
Etcheverry and A.J. Wood, who also pledged "support" for the
proposed $17M facility (WASHINGTON POST, 11/17)....PA Gov.
Tom Ridge, on legislature approval of $300-325M for new
stadiums in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh: "This is a tough
vote for these legislators at any time of the year and it's
an even tougher vote if you don't have a stadium in your
district. I'm still optimistic that we can [get it done]"
(PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 11/17)....In Atlanta, Jeff Schultz
reported that the Thrashers are holding talks "with as many
as" four parties for proposed construction of a practice
facility, including rink development groups Mentmore of NY
and Loridan of Toronto (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 11/15).
SAFETY FIRST: In Cincinnati, stadium planners "are
using new incentives" to try to ensure that workers don't
get injured during construction of the Bengals' new Paul
Brown Stadium. The incentive program "is encouraging
construction crews to work safely" by offering monthly
prizes such as pizza lunches, polo shirts, baseball caps,
tools and Bengals tickets (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 11/15)
