In Minneapolis, Joe Christensen noted Minnesota has "installed new FieldTurf at TCF Bank Stadium, but it's currently missing football yard lines," as the school "purposely kept the permanent design of the new turf less sport specific, so it would be easier to host other events such as soccer games." For example, Minnesota United FC "has considered working out an agreement with the university" to play its debut MLS season in '17 at the venue. Meanwhile, the football lines "are expected to be painted onto the field in about two weeks" (STARTRIBUNE.com, 5/3).
NAME PLATE: In Houston, Joseph Duarte noted the family of late Harris County Judge Roy Hofheinz on Wednesday filed a petition seeking to require the Univ. of Houston to "'honor its original agreement' and keep the school's basketball arena named Hofheinz Pavilion." UH "filed a "petition in Harris County probate court April 13 asking to be let out of the 47-year-old agreement, which would pave the way for the school to secure a multimillion-dollar naming-rights deal as part of a massive renovation project scheduled to begin" in '17. The family's counterclaim is that the $1.5M paid to the UH through Hofheinz' charitable foundation in '69 to complete construction on the basketball arena "should remain in effect 'as long as the building exists'" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 5/5).
LET ME GET AN UPGRADE: In Utah, Kyle Cottam noted Utah State football fans "will notice several upgraded amenities at Maverik Stadium in the fall." There will be "new video boards, a new sound system, premium seating options, upgraded concession options and changes to restroom facilities." Fans will first notice the digital video boards, "particularly the board on the north side that will measure 67 feet by 38 feet, dwarfing the previous board that measured 48 feet by 14 feet." The south board will also "be an upgraded video board, with both displays featuring even greater clarity and sharpness" (DESERET NEWS, 5/4).
