In Jacksonville, Mark Woods wrote he "wanted to hate the 'upgrades'" to EverBank Field, wanted to "point to them as the latest example of the NFL’s long tradition of embracing -- even celebrating -- gaudy overkill." Woods: "After seeing the scoreboards in action, I have to say they are indeed all of those things and more. I also have to say I like them." The scoreboards "definitely have a 'wow' factor, especially for someone who still has an old picture-tube TV in the family room." Woods: "It’s also because I think this is good for the city" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 8/3).
COST CONSCIOUS: In Cincinnati, Bill Koch notes UC AD Mike Bohn now views the 25-year-old Fifth Third Arena as his top priority and said that the school is "making progress toward finding a solution for improving a building that has become outdated." Bohn is exploring how best to renovate the arena and "how to pay for it." Bohn "estimated the cost" of a renovation would be in the $40-70M range (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 8/4).
INSIDE THE TOOL BOX: In Daytona Beach, Godwin Kelly noted Detroit-based Barton Malow is using the "latest in technology tools" in carrying out the planned $400M Daytona Rising renovation to the frontstretch at Daytona Int'l Speedway. Barton Malow took six months to develop a new system that is "delivering real-time plans, schematics, schedules" and other things to companies with "hands on the project" that is set to be finished by January '16 (NEWS-JOURNALONLINE.com, 8/2).
