In L.A., Bill Shaikin notes a provision in the agreement between Dodgers Owner Guggenheim Baseball Management and former Owner Frank McCourt indicates that Dodgers Partner Magic Johnson "has the power to veto any development Frank McCourt might propose for the Dodger Stadium parking lots." McCourt "retained half-ownership of the parking lots" in the sale of the team, but Guggenheim secured the right to "approve any development and designated Johnson as the party who would grant approval." The provision lists "more than a dozen specific categories of property alterations that would require Johnson to consent on behalf of Guggenheim, including construction of new buildings and parking changes" (L.A. TIMES, 5/10).
BACK FOR MORE? In Sacramento, Ailene Voisin noted the "builders of the Kings' first two homes are campaigning to construct a third." Architect Rann Haight, whose group constructed the Kings' temporary arena in '85 and permanent facility in '88, said "We're asking for 90 days. We know the building better than anybody. We think that's enough time to note the deficiencies in the building, come up with a schedule of how long it would take to address them, while continuing to play in the current building." Voisin noted the "critical issue is the one that has doomed every previous arena incarnation: Who pays for a renovation estimated to cost" between $100-$125M? Kings Owners the Maloofs have "repeatedly cited the advantages of remaining at their current site because they own the land and the building and operate the facility" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 5/9).
FINISHING UP: In Ft. Worth, Stefan Stevenson noted the $164M renovations to TCU's Amon G. Carter Stadium are "winding down, with most of the heavy lifting completed." But there is "plenty of work remaining; construction crews continued attending feverishly to the details inside the west-side stands during a tour last week." Crews are "busy laying carpet, installing bathroom fixtures and tending to various tasks." TCU AD Chris Del Conte said, "The stadium is on schedule. The finishing touches will be done by mid-July. We're now in the final stretch. I have no fears about being ready for opening day." Stevenson noted, "Both video boards are ready and are just waiting for the control room to be equipped before they're operational. Same for the state-of-the-art sound system" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 5/8).
NAMING THE FIELD: In Dallas, Josh Friemel noted the field at the new Baylor Stadium will be called John Eddie Williams Field after the Baylor alum "gave a 'substantial gift'" to the university. Williams' gift "is in the top-five largest gifts ever given to Baylor." Baylor Dir of Media Communications Lori Fogelman did not disclose the amount donated, but she confirmed it was "more than the $20 million donated by three Baylor law graduates in 1998 to build a new law school" (DALLASNEWS.com, 5/9).
