CLEVELANDBROWNS.com's Matt Florjancic noted the audio system and scoreboard at FirstEnergy Stadium "are two of the focal points in the renovations expected to take place over the next two seasons." The Browns during the next two offseasons also are looking to "improve lines of sight to the field and beautifying the stadium on a cosmetic level." Browns CEO Joe Banner said, "We think there's some way to increase the capacity of the lower bowl, maybe at the expense of seats in the upper bowl, which will give more people a better perspective on the game and sit in a better seat. The concourses aren't as wide as you'd like. Some of the concession stands could be updated, cleaned up and have better signage" (CLEVELANDBROWNS.com, 9/24).
A LITTLE LOVE LOST: In Philadelphia, Matt Gelb noted the Veterans Stadium "Theme Tower" is being lowered, as many fans consider it an "eyesore at an otherwise beautiful ballpark." The Phillies used the electronic board "as another way to generate revenue while advertising ballpark promotions." But there was "one problem," as it "blocked some views of Center City from the stands at Citizens Bank Park." A team spokesperson said that the tower will "remain in a different form." It will be "lowered in height ... and become a two-sided message board." Construction began this week (PHILLY.com, 9/24).
CLOSED CAPTIONING: In DC, Alex Prewitt noted the National Association of the Deaf has "filed a lawsuit" against the Univ. of Maryland “over the university’s long-standing and continuing failure to provide captioning of announcements and commentary made over the public address systems during athletic events at Byrd Stadium and Comcast Center" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 9/24).
