In DC, Steven Goff reported as part of a preliminary agreement in the lease negotiations between MLS DC United and RFK Stadium, a “$2 facility fee would be added to the cost of every ticket” this season. Revenue would “go toward stadium improvements.” Season-ticket holders “who have already paid for tickets would not be affected.” Goff notes United “would like a multiyear deal that would allow it to remain at RFK while continuing to pursue a new stadium project" in DC or Baltimore (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 2/15).
NOISY NEIGHBORS: In New Jersey, John Brennan notes Barclays Center neighbors “are griping about all-night jackhammering and work on the nearby Carlton Ave. bridge taking place weeknights" until 3:00am. Brennan writes having followed the construction of new MetLife Stadium, Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Prudential Center and Red Bull Arena “over the past decade, I think I know the signs of when a sports facility is scrambling to open on time.” And Barclays Center, “frankly, seems to be in that boat.” Brennan: “I’m not yet convinced that they’ll be as frantic as Prudential Center, where the Devils in 2007 began the season on a nine-game road trip -- then opened an arena where many fans in the upper deck couldn’t fit into the seats. But I also doubt that they will be coasting to that Sept. 28 opening, either. A lot of work has yet to be done” (NORTHJERSEY.com, 2/15).
ON THE FENCE: In Orlando, Mark Schlueb noted merchants who “sued City Hall over plans for a fence between their businesses and the NBA All-Star Game won't get their day in court” until next Tuesday, “two days before the fence is to be installed.” The city “granted the NBA permission to put a fence around the Amway Center through the weekend, both for security and to bar people without tickets from concerts outside the arena” (ORLANDOSENTINEL.com, 2/15).
WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK: In Austin, John Maher cites an SEC filing as indicating that the Circuit of the Americas “has raised $94.3 million from 24 investors." The backers, who were “not named in the filing, each invested at least $100,000 in the race track.” Circuit of the Americas spokesperson Jeff Hahn said that the next filing for the $300M project “is expected at mid-year” (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 2/16).
