Facility Notes

Predators Free To Search For New Naming-Rights Sponsor For Sommet Center

In Nashville, Nate Rau reported as part of an agreement announced Monday, the Predators are "free to search for a new naming-right sponsor" for Sommet Center. Predators Corporate Communications Coordinator Jessica Jones said that it is "unlikely a new partner would be found before the end of the current season." Rau noted the Predators filed suit against Tennessee-based Sommet Group for "failing to make naming-rights payments last year." The team's "three-year naming rights deal with Sommet expires at the end of this season" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 1/26).

NET GAIN: In N.Y., Erin Durkin reports N.Y. has "shelled out another" $31M to help Forest City Ratner Chair & CEO and Nets Owner Bruce Ratner "buy land" for his Atlantic Yards project. The $31M is "on top of $100[M] the city previously pledged." However, N.Y. officials said that the $31M "won't cost taxpayers more money" -- instead, it "will be subtracted from $105[M] previously pegged to pay for infrastructure improvements" around the site. The funding was "moved because the cash-strapped" Ratner "needed more money up front" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/27).

STRONG DEMAND: In L.A., Lance Pugmire noted more than 20,000 tickets have been sold for the March 13 Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey bout at Cowboys Stadium, and officials said that there "could be close to 60,000 in attendance on fight night." The Bedford Agency Owner Lester Bedford, who is assisting Top Rank and Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones in the fight promotion, said fight attendance "could go to 50,000, 60,000." Pugmire noted Jones "originally arranged a seating plan to accommodate 40,000" (LATIMES.com, 1/26).