In Denver, Mike Klis writes when wintry weather yesterday "forced the Broncos to practice indoors at a facility that is a short bus ride away and is primarily used for soccer, it prompted an obvious question: Shouldn't one of the NFL's most proud franchises be practicing at a place more conducive for football?" Broncos President Joe Ellis said, "We've had several discussions about building an indoor facility and are giving it strong consideration. While nothing is finalized, we certainly understand how important it is for our team to have an indoor facility at some point in the very near future." Internal discussions on a new facility "would involve building it in close proximity to the team's Dove Valley headquarters" (DENVER POST, 12/20).
DEAL BREAKER? In San Jose, Rosenberg & Rodriguez noted the California Department of Finance late Tuesday "once again denied a $30 million settlement between" the 49ers and South Bay schools to split taxpayer funds, setting up a "courtroom showdown." The state "rejected an appeal from the 49ers and local officials, ruling they had violated new state redevelopment laws in agreeing to split the money between the team's Santa Clara stadium and the classroom" (MERCURYNEWS.com, 12/19).
ACCESS DENIED: In San Diego, Roger Showley reports the state of California yesterday "vetoed property tax support" for a new Chargers stadium site downtown. The actions were the "latest decisions by the Department of Finance as part of the wind-down of redevelopment agencies that went out of business Feb. 1." Also denied in "San Diego’s case is $4.8 billion in projects planned 30 years into the future," which included an "East Village site for a Chargers stadium" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 12/20).
BIRDS OF A FEATHER: The Seahawks, MLS Sounders FC and First & Goal Inc. on Tuesday announced the selection of Delaware North as the new exclusive food and beverage services provider at CenturyLink Field, CenturyLink Field Event Center and the WaMu Theater. Delaware North will manage and operate all general concessions and premium dining at the stadium under the multiyear agreement. The company also will take over operations at the stadium in early '13 in preparation for the upcoming Sounders season. At that time, the firm will also begin operating the event center and theater (Seahawks).
