Facility Notes

Wizards Owner Seeking Public Funds For Verizon Center Renovations

DC Arena LP execs told DC Council members yesterday that Wizards Owner Abe Pollin is “asking for taxpayers’ help” because he “still owes $110[M] on Verizon Center and cannot easily raise ticket prices to pay for much-needed improvements.” Under legislation Pollin asked for in January, DC would issue $50M in bonds and “increase the tax on all tickets and merchandise at the arena to 10[%] from 5.75[%] to repay the bonds.” Raising ticket prices “is not a feasible option because Pollin can increase prices only for Wizards games” and not for tickets to Capitals, WNBA Mystics and other events at the arena “because he does not control them” (Nikita Stewart, WASHINGTON POST, 3/20).

IN THE MATERIAL WORLD: The Police will perform at Churchill Downs July 14, with tickets priced at $225, $90 and $50 (Churchill Downs). The Rolling Stones played the first concert at the track in September, and Churchill Downs President Steve Sexton said the event “was a factor in scheduling another major show.” Sexton: “We’d like to think that this ... could become an annual off-season attraction.” Only 35,000 seats will be available for The Police, down from 50,000 for the Stones, as all obstructed-view seats have been eliminated (Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL, 3/20).

BRICKYARD PAVERS: Fans will be allowed to drive at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) for the first time beginning in April as part of the track’s new Indy Racing Experience. IMS is charging $399 for four laps for fans driving alone, and $475 for three laps in two-seat cars with professional drivers. IMS Dir of PR Ron Green said, “It’s in a controlled setting. There will be a pace vehicle in front of the car” (AP, 3/17).