In Sacramento, Ryan Lillis notes the Sacramento City Council "took a critical step Tuesday night toward financing a new downtown sports arena by voting 7-2 to ask companies interested in leasing the city's downtown parking operations to step forward." Upfront revenue from a parking agreement "could garner $200 million toward the arena, by far the most significant single financing option for the project." The facility, "proposed for the downtown railyard, is expected to cost at least $406 million." The council vote "sets in motion a frantic month for [Mayor Kevin] Johnson and city officials trying to come up with the remaining funding" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 12/15).
EXTREME MAKEOVER: In Oklahoma City, Berry Tramel noted renovations to Chesapeake Energy Arena are "not complete, but the upgrades that already are in place are exceptional." Tramel: "New flooring on the main concourse, with a white, bright tile replacing the old concrete. New lighting and signage. The place looks completely different and is very sharp. You will notice an immediate difference." Tramel wrote, "you will immediately feel a sense of pride in Oklahoma City. ... And when the new grand entrance opens facing south/southwest, the building will be even more spectacular" (NEWSOK.com, 12/14).
GOING RETRO? The CP's Chinta Puxley notes "hundreds have signed an online petition arguing bathrooms at the home of the Winnipeg Jets can't handle the current flow of traffic." Fans are "calling on the MTS Centre to replace the modern single urinals with old-fashioned metal troughs." True North Dir of Corporate Communications & Hockey Operations Scott Brown said that officials "are 'comfortable' with the current urinals." Brown: "We've had a number of conversations about (the washrooms). I don't know whether the trough is something that would be a serious discussion" (CP, 12/14).
TRACK CHANGES: Michigan Int'l Speedway President Roger Curtis has announced a number of structural changes, including implementation of a Fan Experience Department to better serve its guests year-round. The components include ticketing, guest services and a new arm, fan services. Linda Wyne has been named Senior Dir of Fan Experience. Working on her leadership team are Dir of Guest Services Tim Booth, Dir of Fan Services Alisha Cottrell and Ticket Services Manager Ian Kirkpatrick (THE DAILY).
