On Long Island, Zachary Dowdy noted an inspector for the New York Department of Labor has been "analyzing the Nassau Coliseum to determine whether asbestos in the ... venue poses a cancer threat." Nassau County has "previously acknowledged that the arena, which opened in 1972, contains asbestos within its walls, but the issue surfaced again this week." Islanders Senior VP Michael Picker said in a statement, "The Islanders, as the primary tenant, expect that the building owner, Nassau County, and the building facility manager, SMG, will review the allegations and take any and all appropriate action" (NEWSDAY, 3/24).
SCOUTING THE AREA: Wells Fargo Championship organizers "confirm they have suggested area courses as potential homes for a future PGA Tour event" in Charlotte. Host course Quail Hollow Club has the tournament through '14, but Quail Hollow will be "unable to support another tournament during course preparations" in '16 for the PGA Championship the following year. Title sponsor Wells Fargo also has "yet to make a decision on whether it wants to extend the agreement" (CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 3/23 issue).
NEW FACILITY: The Univ. of Tampa yesterday announced that a seven-figure gift from former Rays Owner Vince Naimoli is "paying for a new athletic field" at the school. In Tampa, Kim Wilmath notes the field will be used "primarily by UT's [D-II] lacrosse and intramural sports teams" and is "expected to open by December." Plans for the Naimoli Family Athletic and Intramural Complex include a 1,450-seat stadium, a "concession area, restrooms and team meeting rooms" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 3/27).
