The Univ. of Oregon BOT on Thursday was presented with plans for the Marcus Mariota Sports Performance Complex, named after the UO alum and Titans QB. The project will consist of an upgrade to the first floor of the school's Casanova Center, including a refurbished equipment room and a new sports science facility. If approved at the BOT's meeting next week, construction would start in January, with the goal of being completed by Sept. '16. The project would be a gift from Phil and Penny Knight (Oregon).
KICKING & SCREAMING? In Minneapolis, Rochelle Olson writes one day after the Midway district of St. Paul was "identified as the probable new home" for a new MLS team and stadium, Minneapolis officials "weren't giving up." Minneapolis City Council President Barbara Johnson said, "Until the shovel's in the ground, I'm hopeful." Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat added, "These things tend to have five lives" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 9/4).
NOT BRIDGING THE GAP: In Atlanta, Dan Klepal reports Cobb County has "struck out in its efforts to secure state funding for a bridge that would carry pedestrians and a shuttle bus" over I-285 to the Braves' new SunTrust Park. The county "had requested matching grant funds from the Georgia Department of Transportation for the bridge and a related project." It is now "unclear from where the money will come to pay for the projects." The "cost of the bridge is relevant" because Cobb Commission Chair Tim Lee "has said repeatedly that the county’s contribution to the stadium is 'capped'" at $300M (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 9/4).
