In Buffalo, Jill Terreri reports the city's Common Council is "set to call on the owners of land on the Outer Harbor to grant development rights to a group wanting to build a football stadium and entertainment complex." The council "does not control the land, however, and the state authority that does is not in favor of the project." A council resolution calls on Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the state legislature and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority to "grant the development group a nine- to 12-month option on the Buffalo Outer Harbor." A group called Greater Buffalo Sports & Entertainment Complex is proposing a $1.5B waterfront development, "which would include a 72,000-seat football stadium with a retractable roof" (BUFFALO NEWS, 4/26).
CORN SKATES: In Omaha, Joseph Morton noted U.S. Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) has "broached the subject" of an NHL exhibition game in the city with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman "several times over the years and took an opportunity Wednesday to bring it up again." Bettman, who was on Capitol Hill for a panel discussion, "seemed optimistic that it could happen." Terry said that it would "make a lot of sense for the NHL to hold an exhibition game in Omaha." Bettman: "It's something that we can work on if there's enough interest and somebody wants to put it together. We need a local point person who wants to address the effort and I'm sure one of our clubs would love to consider a preseason game" (OMAHA WORLD-HERALD, 4/25).
URBAN REVITALIZATION: In Detroit, Tom Walsh notes Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert during a panel discussion about the city of Detroit on Fox News was "asked if he’s trying to persuade" Pistons Owner Tom Gores to move the team downtown from its current home in Auburn Hills. Gilbert responded, "I always try to put the bug in his ear." Gilbert has "long espoused the belief that sports arenas belong in core cities rather than faraway suburbs" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/26).
FROZEN FENWAY: In Boston, John Connolly reports the Hockey East conference is "returning to Fenway Park in January with two separate men's doubleheaders." On Saturday, Jan. 4, Merrimack will face Providence, followed by Boston College-Notre Dame. The following Saturday, Jan. 11, UMass-Lowell plays Northeastern (BOSTON HERALD, 4/26).
