Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said that the city "plans to consult with residents before making a decision to provide public funding for a possible new hockey arena" for the Flames. Without providing details, he said a proposed site on the west side of downtown is "very problematic." Nenshi added that the Flames and their management so far "haven't asked for public money" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 6/2).
GRASS IS GREENER: In Sacramento, Matt Barrows noted the 49ers in an effort to "ease the wear and tear on the grass" at Levi's Stadium "have installed a synthetic-turf ring around the playing field." It is 23,000 square feet and "designed to handle both foot traffic and that from heavy equipment used to stage stadium events." Asked if the 49ers have considered using an entirely artificial field, VP/Stadium Operations & Security Jim Mercurio said, “We studied it hard and made the decision to stick with grass, as least through the Super Bowl" (SACBEE.com, 5/30).
POLE VAULT: TrackTown USA organizing committee President Vin Lananna said that Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., "will be completely renovated" by '18, giving the city the opportunity to stage the '20 U.S. Olympic Trials for Track & Field. In Portland, Ken Goe noted the IAAF granted the '21 World Outdoor Championships to Eugene "with the proviso that the stadium be upgraded to meet IAAF specifications." Lananna added that holding the '20 Olympic Trials in Eugene "only makes sense" (OREGONLIVE.com, 5/31).
TOUGH LOVE: In Philadelphia, Melanie Burney noted police "questioned the operator of a drone spotted flying briefly above the third-base gate" at Sunday's Rockies-Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park. No charges were filed. Phillies Security Dir Sal DeAngelis said that it was "unclear how high the drone went but it was easily visible to security personnel who were standing at the third-base gate." He added that the drone "did not reach airspace over the field ... or disrupt the game" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 6/1).
