In Chicago, Kathy Bergen reports the prospect of a DePaul Univ. men's basketball arena “being constructed on land just north of McCormick Place is drawing strong opposition from the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance, a South Loop residents' organization.” PDNA President Tina Feldstein in a letter wrote that a survey “of 700 neighbors of the site, conducted by the community group, found more than 70 percent oppose construction of a Blue Demons arena there.” The letter stated that an arena would “not fit within the residential and historic character of the area and could put two landmark structures, the Harriet F. Rees House and the American Book Co. building, at risk” (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/5).
ON THE PROWL: In Phoenix, Kent Somers reports the NFL Cardinals’ contract with Northern Arizona Univ. “has ended, and it's possible the team's history of training in Flagstaff is over, too.” The Cardinals are “exploring several options, including returning to NAU, where they've trained every year but one since moving to Arizona in 1988.” The team has become “disenchanted with its arrangement with NAU, especially in terms of the facilities.” Team execs "continue to meet with officials from NAU and Flagstaff but have opened bidding for other cities” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 12/5).
SERVING ALL: In Boston, Ira Kantor notes animal advocacy group PETA ranks Gillette Stadium No. 2 on this year’s list of “vegetarian-friendly” NFL stadiums. The group “specifically called out such menu options as black bean burgers, grilled portobello mushroom burgers and grilled veggie flatbread wraps.” Gillette Stadium Senior VP/Operations, Administration & Finance James Nolan said, “We wanted the new menus to reflect the changing taste of our guests.” Gillette Stadium took second place behind the Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field (BOSTON HERALD, 12/5).
