In Minneapolis, Rochelle Olson notes the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and Mortenson Construction yesterday "took two dozen reporters on the first hard-hat tour" of the Vikings' new stadium. A 4-D computer model "shows the project progressing piece by piece, plotting some 20,000 movements." As of last month, the project was 23% completed, with some $184M in "work finished." Mortenson Senior VP John Wood said that only harsh winter weather can "slow the work down" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 10/21).
JUST INVEST, BABY: In Oakland, Matthew Artz reported a new investor has "agreed to take the lead on Oakland's Coliseum City project, offering fresh hope for at least a new Raiders football stadium and additional development at the site of O.co Coliseum." Sources "refused to disclose the investor's name, saying he would not come forward" until the Oakland City Council agrees to extend an exclusive negotiating rights deal with a development team. Council members today "are scheduled to discuss an extension in a closed-door meeting" (OAKLAND TRIBUNE, 10/19).
FIT FOR THE KINGS: In Sacramento, Dale Kasler reports Legends Hospitality, which last week secured the Kings as its first NBA client, "has also consulted with the team" on naming rights for the new downtown arena. Kings Senior Dir of Communications Laura Braden said that no timeline "has been set for announcing the naming-rights partner." Legends "examined the naming rights, founding partners and overall revenue potential of the arena." Industry experts said that naming rights "could be worth several million dollars a year to the Kings" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 10/21).
DEER IN HEADLIGHTS? In Milwaukee, Don Walker noted members of the Common Ground community group on Sunday "formally drew a line in the sand in opposition to the use of public money to finance a new, multipurpose arena." In a message to community leaders and Bucks co-Owners Wes Edens and Marc Lasry, the group "made it clear it will fight to improve recreational facilities for children." Sunday's meeting was a "highly orchestrated affair designed to galvanize the community organization's position and put new pressure on arena stakeholders" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 10/20).
