Facility Notes

Fenway Park bullpen won't be widened after state commission rejects tax break

In Boston, Thomas Grillo reports the Red Sox have "benched a controversial plan to widen the bullpen at historic Fenway Park by 9 feet this offseason." The project, which "would have shortened the distance from home plate to the right-field fence to 371 feet from 380 feet," was a "hit with the Boston Landmarks Commission, which unanimously approved the team's application in October." But the Red Sox "struck out with the Massachusetts Historical Commission, which determined the project would not score a special tax break." Because Fenway is a "designated landmark, the Red Sox must seek support from the city and state agencies for major alterations to the circa-1912 ballpark" (BOSTON HERALD, 1/6).

INSURANCE CLAIM: In St. Paul, Charley Walters notes it is "still undetermined whether the Metrodome will end up with a new roof or replaced panels for those damaged by its collapse." But "look for insurance to cover the damage, and don't be surprised, at a cost of about $15 million, if a completely new roof is installed for the Vikings next season" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 1/6).

TRACK CHANGES? In Baltimore, Hanah Cho reported Orioles Owner Peter Angelos is "bidding to buy a bankrupt horse-racing track" in Prince George's County (Md.) and "resurrecting a push to allow slot machines there." Angelos' proposal "came as Maryland's second slots casino opened Tuesday at the Ocean Downs racetrack on the Eastern Shore." Under Angelos' proposal, he would pay $9M in cash plus another $5M "if slots are permitted in Prince George's County and a casino is operational at the harness-racing track by Dec. 1, 2012" (Baltimore SUN, 1/5).