Braves Exec VP/Business Operations Mike Plant yesterday said the team is "close to announcing its development team" for a private mixed-use development adjacent to its new Cobb County ballpark. In Atlanta, Dan Klepal notes county officials are "recommending approval" of the mixed-use development, but with "several suggestions that likely will come at the expense of the team or developer" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 6/25). Meanwhile, in Georgia, Jon Gillooly notes Cobb County Superior Court Judge Tain Kell on July 7 will "consider validating bonds the county intends to use to finance" the new Braves ballpark (MDJONLINE.com, 6/25).
SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER: In Toronto, Kevin McGran notes renovations to “turn BMO Field into a 30,000-seat stadium from its current 21,000-seat configuration are to begin in September and pick up speed in October," when Toronto FC’s season ends. May 1 is the target date “for the renovations to be completed, in time for the TFC season and next summer’s Pan-Am Games, where it will host rugby.” Renovations “are going ahead without" the CFL Argonauts, "largely because there is no subsidy committed from the federal government to help with CFL dimensions” (TORONTO STAR, 6/25).
SECRET GARDEN: In S.F., Miriam Morgan noted the MLB Giants yesterday “unveiled their new garden” at AT&T Park. Giants President & CEO Larry Baer said that the garden, which ticketholders can “access for food and seating, is [the] first facility of its kind" in MLB and "may be the first in any pro sport.” Located behind the centerfield wall, it is “now open during games as a gathering spot (although the only view of the field is through slits in the movable wall).” The garden’s concession stands operated by Bon Appetit Management Co. “will serve food and drink made with garden vegetables and other locally produced ingredients” beginning next month (SFGATE.com, 6/24).
GUITAR SOUNDS: In Nashville, Josh Cooper noted the 4,200-square-foot, guitar-shaped scoreboard at the Triple-A PCL Nashville Sounds’ new First Tennessee Park will have a HD screen. The team said it will be “one of the largest in minor league baseball” (TENNESSEAN.com, 6/20).
