In Boston, Fee & Raposa cite sources as saying that Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake will "play Fenway Park this August." The Red Sox yesterday went to City Hall "asking for concert permits for Aug. 10 and 11," but the team "didn't specify the musical act." Rolling Stone magazine reported that Jay-Z and Timberlake are planning a "major stadium tour this summer" (BOSTON HERALD, 2/21).
RINKED IN? In Toronto, Tony Van Alphen reports the city of Markham, Ontario, "hasn't approved an NHL-size arena or its funding," but the Canadian Women's Hockey League yesterday suggested that the project "will proceed." The CWHL said that Markham's proposed arena is "sponsoring the group's annual awards night next month during the Clarkson Cup championship" in the city. Van Alphen writes the announcement "left the impression that construction of the 20,000-seat arena in a public-private partnership will go ahead." CWHL Commissioner Brenda Andress said that the league is "aware that the proposed project, including a long-term lease, still needs" approval by the Markham City Council (TORONTO STAR, 2/21).
NO IFS, ANDS, OR BUTTS: Charlotte Motor Speedway has implemented a smoke-free policy for all three of its tracks. The policy also applies to the terrace boxes, kids' play zones, bathhouses and restrooms. Smoking lounges with flat-screen TVs and high-top tables will be located at each venue. Smoking will be allowed in open-air campgrounds, parking lots, hospitality and souvenir display areas (CMS).
LET'S TALK TURKEY: In Norfolk, Andy Bitter reports Virginia Tech is "replacing the video board and sound systems at both Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum, projects the school expects to have completed before the start of the next football and basketball seasons." When finished, the new Lane Stadium high-definition LED video board -- at 48.2 feet tall and 108.2 feet wide -- will be "nearly five times the size of the current one," installed in '05. It will be the "eighth largest in the country" among stadiums for FBS teams, and is "expected to cost" about $3M (Norfolk VIRGINIAN-PILOT, 2/21).
