In Orlando, Mark Schlueb reported the Magic have “asked city officials for more time to figure out whether the team's plan to develop a downtown $100 million sports and entertainment complex is feasible.” The team’s one-year purchase option on a city-owned building across the street from Amway Center expired Sept. 21, and the company “wants it extended" to Jan. 21. The City Council was expected to vote on the request yesterday. Magic execs “envision an entertainment complex similar to those around arenas” in Charlotte, Memphis, Nashville, Columbus, and L.A. It would “likely include a mix of shopping, dining and retail.” Magic President Alex Martins in a letter to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer wrote that the feasibility studies “aren't done” (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 9/29).
FOR KICKS: In Houston, Jesus Ortiz noted Mexico's men's national soccer team, "accustomed to playing before green-clad sellout crowds at Reliant Stadium, is headed to BBVA Compass Stadium for the first time." The squad will "play a World Cup qualifier against Guyana on Oct. 12." The Mexican Federation announced Univ. of Phoenix Stadium as the site, but "talks between promoters and stadium officials broke down last week." BBVA Compass Stadium GM Doug Hall said, "Any time you get a chance to host a World Cup qualifier, it's a big deal." The qualifier will "mark the third international match in the brief history of the venue" (CHRON.com, 10/1).
GETTING THE GO-AHEAD: In DC, Steven Goff noted a “deal to build a baseball-soccer stadium" in Loudoun County, Va., was announced yesterday, "significantly bolstering the prospects of a North American Soccer League expansion franchise in Northern Virginia for the 2014 season.” The stadium project “calls for 5,500 permanent seats and space to accommodate about 10,000 spectators.” The NASL BOG “could ratify the franchise bid as early as Oct. 26-27" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 10/1).
SUPERSIZE IT? In N.Y., Michael Grynbaum notes the “only soda-cup size available” at Barclays Center’s concession stands is 16oz. The size is, “not coincidentally, the maximum quantity allowed under new rules that seek to combat obesity by limiting the size of sugary drinks in New York City restaurants, stadiums and movie theaters.” The restrictions “do not take effect until March, but Barclays volunteered to comply with the regulations from the moment it opened on Friday.” In addition, the “official souvenir cup had to be redesigned, downsized to 16 ounces from 32.” The cup, “emblazoned with Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center logos, will sell for $5, one dollar more than the same-sized regular cup” (N.Y. TIMES, 10/2).
