In Charlotte, Rick Bonnell reported the Hornets could "change their summer-league destination from Las Vegas to Orlando," and a decision "might already have been made." Las Vegas "has become the dominant NBA summer-league option, with thousands of fans showing up at the two major venues at UNLV’s basketball complex." But it has "gotten too big for its own good." Orlando "is the other extreme -- a small venue, no fans, a tight schedule: Pretty boring but also pretty efficient" (CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.com, 3/18).
SIGN, SIGN, EVERYWHERE A SIGN: In Ft. Worth, Susan Schrock reports new street sign toppers "honoring the Rangers’ stadium-naming-rights partner," Globe Life Insurance, "could be in place along Ballpark Way before the team’s home opener next month." The Rangers said that they will pay the city of Arlington "to install four honorary sign toppers that will read 'Globe Life Park Way.'” City and team officials said that the sign toppers, which "will cost about $350 total, are expected to be installed" before the team’s April 10 game against the Astros. Ballpark Way’s name "is not officially changing" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 3/19).
FLY FISHING: In Miami, Greg Cote reported the Marlins "have rented a Boeing 767-200 for the season and it includes 84 oversized luxury seats, a massage table and card tables." The outside of the jet "will bear the Marlins logo." The club also has "expanded its overall payroll as well as its scouting, player development, marketing and sales departments" (MIAMIHERALD.com, 3/18).
