In L.A., Bill Shaikin reports the Angels have met with the developer of the Orange County Great Park property in Irvine, Calif., "to see whether the construction of a new ballpark might be feasible." The Angels have "grown frustrated over negotiations for a deal that would keep the team in Anaheim for the long term, and Angels executives have opened discussions for potential alternative sites in Tustin and now Irvine." The Angels "continue to consider the Tustin site." However, Tustin City Manager Jeffrey Parker said that the location they "initially preferred ... is targeted for other uses." Th team "can opt out" of its lease in Anaheim as soon as '16 (L.A. TIMES, 5/2).
ICE BREAKERS: In Minneapolis, Amelia Rayno noted the Univ. of Minnesota is considering an $8M renovation of Mariucci Arena that could "potentially include a smaller ice sheet, better sight lines and increased seating." The proposal "is separate" from the $190M master facilities plan the athletic department released last summer. The Mariucci considerations also include "expanding the weight room in the 21-year-old building, adding other training facilities and renovating both locker rooms" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 5/1).
GREEN MACHINE: In Michigan, Chris Solari notes Michigan State's Breslin Center will "receive new LED lighting" as part of the school's "continuing effort to increase energy efficiency across campus." MSU Residential & Hospitality Services Dept. Coordinator Bill Whitbeck said that installation for the "$910,000, three-week project" will begin in early July. MSU Residential & Hospitality Services Dept. Chief Planning & Projects Officer Diane Barker said that the project has "a 9 ½-year payback on investment from the savings from the new lights over the old system" (LANSING STATE JOURNAL, 5/2).
SKY'S THE LIMIT: In Seattle, Bob Payne noted the Univ. of Washington on Thursday released a photo of "a new design on the basketball court at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion." The school in a statement said the "highlight of the new court is a baseline-to-baseline silhouette of Seattle's iconic skyline featuring the Space Needle right near center court" (SEATTLETIMES.com, 5/1).
