In New Orleans, John Reid reported the Hornets are "exploring plans to possibly build a new practice facility at the New Orleans Saints’ complex." Hornets GM Dell Demps said Friday that the team is "looking into plans about a new practice facility and he likes the idea of having it at the Saints' complex in Metairie." Demps said, "I think it will be fun like a campus. You have the Saints on one side and the Hornets on the other. We’re looking into it. [Owner Tom] Benson is pulling out all of the stops and we’re happy about it" (NOLA.com, 6/29).
MAN'S HOME IS HIS CASTLE: Pistons Owner Tom Gores said that he is "happy with the Palace of Auburn Hills as the Pistons home and has no near-term interest in being part of a new stadium project in downtown Detroit, which the Ilitch family has been mulling for the Red Wings hockey team." Gores said, "Right now the Palace, I think, is an amazing place. We’ve made a lot of changes to it, and upgrades. ... To build an arena is not my first job." He added that sometime "well down the road ... he might be open to discussion of an arena or other things" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 6/30).
READING THE CRYSTAL BALL: In Charlotte, Jim Utter wrote given Daytona Int'l Speedway's announced plans for a major facelift, one "wonders if this foreshadows similar moves at other race tracks, which are having problems filling the stands." Moves that could "provide a more wide-ranging fan experience, but also lower capacity at some venues while keeping ticket prices steady." In other words, "giving fans more bang for their bucks" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/30).
