In Houston, John McClain reported the Texans are "one step closer to new digital scoreboards at Reliant Stadium." Sources said that the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation BOD next Wednesday "is expected to vote on a plan for new digital scoreboards that would have state-of-the-art technology and cost $16 million." The HD scoreboards "would be installed in time for the Texans’ 2013 season and be part of improvements at the stadium that would enhance Houston’s chances of getting Super Bowl LI" (CHRON.com, 12/12).
CAUSE FOR ALARM: In Green Bay, Amante & Schneider note a "small section of the Lambeau Field structure burned for about 45 minutes on Wednesday afternoon after sparks from a worker’s torch set some insulation on fire." Damage was "estimated at $5,000," and one firefighter "sustained a minor injury." Team Public Affairs Dir Aaron Popkey said that the fire "did not affect Packers business operations inside the stadium, nor did it influence activities at the Packers Pro Shop or Curly’s Pub." He said that the "damage was 'limited,' and likely won’t affect the timeline for the ongoing Lambeau Field renovations" (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 12/13).
CITY OF CHARM: In Baltimore, Chris Korman notes 1st Mariner Arena will "host the Colonial Athletic Association men's basketball tournament for three years, starting in 2014." CAA Commissioner Tom Yeager said that Baltimore now "offers a centralized location for the conference ... and more amenities than long-time host Richmond." The conference said that the four-day tournament has "drawn more than 42,000 attendees in each of the past five years" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 12/13).
