In West Palm Beach, Joe Capozzi reports a majority of Palm Beach County commissioners last night "agreed they’re willing to commit" $90M in bed tax money to help finance a new Spring Training ballpark for the Astros and Nationals, but "not the full" $145M the teams are seeking. Commissioners voted 4-3 to "reject the entire financing request but directed staff and team representatives to continue negotiations" on the remaining $55M that the teams say is needed to finance the ballpark. Commissioners will "consider the financing package again on Oct. 21" (PALM BEACH POST, 9/24).
KEEPING THINGS LIGHT: In L.A., Helene Elliott noted the NHL Kings' exhibition game at Staples Center on Monday "featured a new LED lighting system that focuses more light on the ice while dimming the lights in the arena’s seating area, creating an effect similar to the theatrical lighting at Lakers games." Staples Center President Lee Zeidman in an e-mail wrote that the Clippers "will also use the new lighting." Zeidman: "First arena in the NBA and second in the NHL" (L.A. TIMES, 9/23).
DEVILS MAY CARE: In Durham, Steve Wiseman notes Duke’s BOT last weekend "gave final approval for funding" to give the 85-year-old Wallace Wade Stadium a "new look" for the '16 football season. The venue has "already seen 6,346 blue, chairback seats installed last summer," but the major work will "begin after Duke plays its final home game of this season on Nov. 29." The stadium’s track "will be removed, the playing field lowered and approximately 4,000 new seats will be added" in time for the '15 season (Durham HERALD-SUN, 9/24).
COUGAR TOWN: The Univ. of Houston yesterday announced that it will "begin construction" on a $25M basketball practice facility this week. In Houston, Joseph Duarte reported the 53,000-square foot building -- to "officially be named the Houston Basketball Development Facility -- will serve as the headquarters for the men’s and women’s programs." The "estimated completion date" is August. The school "released three renderings," which show a "modern exterior that will keep the look of the facility in line with other nearby projects, including TDECU Stadium" (CHRON.com, 9/23).
