A ST. CLOUD TIMES editorial stated of the Vikings' plan to use PSLs in their new stadium, "While many fans and even a few politicians claim outrage, the PSL details simply reiterate some points all Minnesotans have known for months, even years and decades." Neither the Vikings' PSLs "nor the accompanying prices are a surprise." The editorial: "Ultimately, though, the real message behind the Vikings’ PSLs is that attending NFL games is becoming more and more unaffordable for average Minnesotans" (SCTIMES.com, 10/14).
NORTHERN LIGHTS: In Vancouver, Larry Pynn reported Rogers Arena "expects to switch to LED lighting soon as part of a larger strategy to reduce the venue’s environmental footprint and reduce waste." The switch "could involve the replacement of up to 300 1,000-watt bulbs." The NHL "would also be involved to ensure the lighting is suitable for broadcasting and to monitor the amount of reflection on the ice surface" (VANCOUVERSUN.com, 10/16).
RAM JAM: In Colorado, Trevor Hughes reported Colorado State Univ. has "withdrawn its request that on-campus football stadium contractors make cash donations to the project after the state’s top building official called the proposal 'concerning.'" CSU is instead "asking whoever builds the stadium -- along with their subcontractors -- to donate materials to the construction effort." The university said that encouraging private contractors to "donate will help them meet fundraising goals." CSU officials "liken the donation requests to the partnership struck between the state and contractors rebuilding the Colorado State Capitol Dome." However, they "refused to discuss why the initial request was worded the way it was, or why it was withdrawn" (COLORADOAN.com, 10/14).
RULING ON THE FIELD: In Hartford, Jeff Jacobs wrote "there are some icy feelings at UConn right now" about poor conditions at Rentschler Field. School officials "are extremely frustrated, to the point where there are questions about safety." Global Spectrum, which took over management of the XL Center and Rentschler Field this past summer, said that "a process of removing sod in the center of the field began Tuesday and re-sodding will take place" today and tomorrow (COURANT.com, 10/16).
HOUSE HUNTING: In San Diego, Nick Canepa writes the Chargers, who are looking to build a new stadium, were "aware all along what they were proposing downtown never would be a slam dunk" and are now considering building on 166-acre site of Qualcomm Stadium. Chargers Special Counsel to the President Mark Fabiani said, “The Qualcomm site drawing board always was there. ... A major international company, which I can’t name now, also is interested in partnering with us for stadium naming rights. The site is perfect for private development, for building an urban village.” Fabiani: "We can’t just sit around and wait while the next mayor is campaigning" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 10/17).
