Facility Notes

Jeffrey Loria Says Miro Foundation In Spain Was An Inspiration For Marlins' New Ballpark

Marlins Owner Jeffrey Loria said the aim of the team's planned ballpark is "not trying to be different, but being special" to Miami. Loria: "I wanted the stadium in a place where it would be a piece of sculpture. I wanted people to go to a ballgame to use their eyes and be in a facility that’s not just another retro stadium. Color is very important. The stadium will be bathed by light." Loria said of his inspirations, "I went to Barcelona to see the Miró Foundation and I thought his palette would be the most appropriate, which would be a great homage to Spain. There’s nothing wrong with retro, but it’s time to move ahead into the 21st century" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/21).

THREE TO GET READY: The Louisville Arena Authority (LAA) today announced three new partners for the downtown arena with a total sponsorship value of about $8.6M. Kentucky-based Hilliard Lyons and Stock Yards Bank & Trust agreed to 10-year deals as LAA's newest Cornerstone Partners, while the authority inked a five-year sponsorship with Kentucky Employers' Mutual Insurance (LAA).

KATZ OUT OF THE BAG: In Edmonton, David Staples reported Oilers Owner Daryl Katz' development group will "employ a new kind of building design" for the team's proposed downtown arena in its "effort to win support" for the project. Oilers President & CEO Patrick LaForge said that the Katz Group is "in the process of hiring an overall architect for the proposed arena district." LaForge reaffirmed that before "any decisions about the project are made, people should first see the plans, which are now in the works and feature an innovative arena design." LaForge: "Visually, it needs to be an icon" (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 9/20).

STUNTED GROWTH: In Newark, Ted Sherman reports Xanadu Meadowlands, Xanadu's development group, "lost a legal battle against a key lender who backed out" of the planned complex earlier this year. A judge dismissed the "lawsuit against Xanadu Mezz Holdings -- an affiliate of Lehman Brothers," and Xanadu officials said that they now are "considering their options." Sherman notes "financing problems have led to a virtual suspension of construction at Xanadu" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 9/21).