The Seahawks and Verizon yesterday announced enhancements to the wireless network at CenturyLink Field to provide fans with free access to Wi-Fi. In addition to improving Wi-Fi and enhancing in-stadium connectivity, 12 individuals will be on site as part of the in-stadium Wi-Fi Certified Coach Program. As part of Verizon’s relationship with the Seahawks, the south end zone restaurant has been transformed into the Verizon Lounge, a sports bar and restaurant. Verizon installed 36 charging stations in the lounge and throughout the stadium to provide fans with the ability to stay in touch on game day (Seahawks).
GETTING THE SAVE: In K.C., James Dornbrook reported Jackson County, Mo., sold about $340M in bonds yesterday "in order to refinance some of the debt" from the '06 renovation of Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums. The move "will save" about $32M in interest costs. However, that savings "won't go into the county coffers," and instead will "go into a maintenance fund for the stadiums, boosting that fund even further than originally expected." The original funding "was completed using 25-year bonds, which is the same period of time the sales tax runs and the length of the current lease with the teams," from '06-31. The new bonds "will also be issued for that same time frame" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 10/29).
RIGHT ON TRACK: In Cleveland, Zack Meisel noted renovations to Progressive Field "are expected to be completed in time" for the Indians' home opener April 10. Indians VP/Ballpark Operations Jim Folk said that the operation "is on schedule." Meanwhile, the team "will not disclose how much the renovations cost, only that the operation is privately funded" (CLEVELAND.com, 10/28).
