Facility Notes

Vikings Resume Talks About Property Surrounding Site Of Proposed Stadium

In Minneapolis, Paul Levy reports the Vikings and the Star Tribune have "resumed negotiations" over Star Tribune property near the Metrodome, after the Vikings in August canceled a $45M deal to purchase the land. The Vikings have "continued to buy property in the area that would surround their proposed new stadium." Area property owners believe that Vikings Owner Zygi Wilf "still envisions building a stadium on the Metrodome site and developing the land around it" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 5/14).

SPORT SUPPORT: In DC, Tim Lemke reports the DC Council yesterday "authorized a $2.5[M] subsidy" for the DCSEC, which "should allow the commission to remain viable through the year." However, the DCSEC is reporting a $500,000 shortfall for this FY, and officials said that they "must find a way to close the funding gap or possibly cease operations by the fall" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 5/14).

SILVER DOLLAR: Silver Stallion Development Group LLC President H. Wallace Parker, in a letter to Pontiac city reps regarding his proposal to buy the Silverdome, said that he will "drop inclusion of nearby properties and the stadium sign in the sale to help advance a deal." In Detroit, Mark Hicks reports the move "could complete a sale by summer" (DETROIT NEWS, 5/14).

NOTES: In St. Louis, Bill Coats reports the Rams have chosen Concordia Univ. in Mequon, Wisconsin, as the new site of their training camp. The club is "delaying an official announcement until details are complete" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 5/14)....In Pittsburgh, Tina Calabro writes PNC Park, which on May 24 will hold its third annual Disability Awareness Night, is "widely recognized as the most accessible Major League sporting facility in the nation." The ballpark features "wheelchair-accessible seating in every price area, power sources in most seating areas, and a captioning board" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 5/14).