In Vancouver, Bruce Constantineau reports NDP Public Health & Sport's Guy Gentner said that a C$17.5M provincial government grant for a new MLS Whitecaps training center “must be reviewed thoroughly in light of B.C.'s deteriorating financial situation.” The commitment was made “during a provincial election campaign in May 2009, when the Caps announced plans to build a new” C$31.5M training facility in Delta. The training center plans “fell through but the Whitecaps say the province is still committed to providing the funding as the club negotiates for a new location, likely in Burnaby or at the University of B.C.” (VANCOUVER SUN, 3/1).
DELAY OF GAME: In Orlando, Damron & Schlueb wrote a “raft of political and economic obstacles stands in the way of revitalizing the 76-year-old” Citrus Bowl. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said that any plan “to accelerate the renovation would likely have to come from Orange County.” The renovation plan, “which has been delayed three years, calls for new lower-bowl seating; 4,000 club seats; 10 new suites; banquet space; a ballroom; and new restrooms, locker rooms and concession stands.” Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan said that he needs “clearer timelines on when they could begin before he starts negotiations for new long-term bowl contracts this fall” (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 2/28).
HUNTING LICENSE: In Seattle, Keith Ervin noted Bellevue, Wash., City Manager Steve Sarkozy said at a Downtown Association forum Tuesday that the City Council has given him “’a license to hunt’ each year for investors or property owners who want bring an NBA and NHL arena to the city.” Sarkzoy said, “We continue to work with several private interest groups and, frankly, several locations in the city.” He added that Bellevue is “in the game” and that the idea of an Eastside arena is “very real, very much a possibility.” Sarkozy “declined to identify any of the sites or people with whom he has spoken” (SEATTLE TIMES, 2/29).
PARTY'S OVER: In Indianapolis, Phillip Wilson notes DirecTV “subsidized the cost of replacing 80,000 feet of sod that was covered by a tent for about seven weeks in conjunction with a Super Bowl XLVI beach party” at Victory Field (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 3/1).
