In N.Y., Andrew Keh notes Mets GM Sandy Alderson last night "offered the strongest indication yet that the Mets would make significant alterations to the dimensions of the field at their home stadium during the off-season." Alderson "stopped short of confirming changes were definite, but said that the Mets were taking a hard look at a wide variety of options -- bringing the fences in or lowering their height -- and that they would make a decision by next month." Alderson: "If we do something, it won't be subtle" (NYTIMES.com, 9/21). He said that the goal "would be to make the ballpark fairer between pitchers and hitters while also placating fans who have called for more offense at Citi Field." Alderson: "I think offense is appealing. Offense sells" (N.Y. POST, 9/21).
MAGIC EXPANSION: In Orlando, Mark Schlueb reported the Magic on Monday "won the exclusive right to buy a city parking garage across from the arena where the team plays -- if they can reach a deal with Orlando leaders over the next year." The City Council "approved a one-year purchase option agreement for the Magic," which is the "first step in what may eventually be a $100 million investment to build a sports-and-entertainment complex and corporate headquarters in the Paramore neighborhood." The approval "gives the team a year to address a slew of unanswered questions, including what type of retail and dining is feasible on the site." If the Magic and Orlando officials "agree on a price -- so far it hasn't been discussed -- the garage would be torn down to make way for the Magic's project" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 9/20).
TREADING ON NEW PATHS: In South Carolina, Andrew Shain reports the Univ. of South Carolina athletics department "has surpassed its fundraising goal for the year with the help of a $4.4 million contribution to build walkways around Williams-Brice Stadium." The pavement around the stadium "will be made into walkways with iron gates reminiscent of the Horseshoe in the main part of campus," but no timetable has been set. Donors also have "contributed $5.25 million for a new $6.5 million video board that will be installed at Williams-Brice for the 2013 season" (Columbia STATE, 9/21).
NEW QUARTERS: In London, Gratton & Ducker noted EPL club Manchester City unveiled plans Monday for a "state-of-the-art new training complex" that the club is "confident will be unrivalled anywhere in the world." Planning application for the "80-acre site next to the Etihad Stadium was submitted" Monday morning with Man City "hoping to get the go-ahead to begin construction of the development by the end of the year." The complex will contain a "7,000-seat mini-stadium, 15 full-size pitches and sleeping accommodation for 72 senior and youth players" (THETIMES.co.uk, 9/19).
