In Oakland, Jimmy Durkin reported the sewage problems that "have become an issue" at O.co Coliseum returned prior to Saturday's scheduled Giants-A's exhibition game. A's coach Mike Gallego "captured video of water backing up in the showers and toilets in the coaches' area" of the team's clubhouse. The game was eventually rained out (INSIDEBAYAREA.com, 3/29). In S.F., Scott Ostler noted repairs at the ballpark are the responsibility of the city of Oakland and Alameda County, but there is "nothing stopping" A's co-Owners John Fisher and Lew Wolff from "throwing a little cash at the problem, to protect their coaches and players from sewage and themselves from ridicule" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 3/30).
LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE: In Tampa, Curtis Krueger noted Tropicana Field "now has a 360-degree walkway surrounding the lower seating area, giving fans plenty of access around the stadium, and new places to stand and watch the game." The walkway runs "smack into what used to be an enclosed restaurant called the Everglades BBQ Smokehouse." The former restaurant now is an "open-air area called the Porch in Centerfield, a 'fan-friendly gathering spot.'" There is "no roof overhead, but there will be netting to prevent fans from getting beaned by home runs" (TAMPABAY.com, 3/28).
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: In Denver, Woody Paige wrote the "most impressive offseason addition" to Coors Field is the "new, grand rooftop deck above right field." Rockies Owner Dick Monfort said that "no money from players' salaries was spent in construction." The deck "fits perfectly, as if it has been a gleaming section of the ballpark, and LoDo, since inception." The area figures to become a "primary party place" (DENVER POST, 3/30).
EXPECT DELAYS: In Detroit, Michael Martinez noted Comerica Park has installed "walk-through metal detectors at all entrances" as part of an MLB-wide "mandate to have metal detectors in every ballpark" by '15. Clubs could "choose to have walk-through detectors or hand-held wands." Tigers VP/Ballpark Operations Mike Healy expects that the new security measure "will mean a five- to seven-minute delay getting inside the ballpark." As a result, gates are "opening two hours prior to the first pitch; they previously opened an hour and a half before game-time" (DETROIT NEWS, 3/29).
