In Oakland, Daniel Borenstein writes despite the "hoopla" this week surrounding the approval to negotiate with Ronnie Lott's stadium group, their plan has "little substance." They "have no deal" and "don’t even have a firm plan." They are "hoping the framework will demonstrate seriousness about keeping the Raiders and dissuade NFL owners from approving the team’s proposed move to Las Vegas," but it is "unlikely to succeed" (EAST BAY TIMES, 12/16).
SEAT GEEKS: In Boston, Peter Abraham notes the Red Sox are "planning to add seats at Fenway Park." The front rail of both dugouts will be "extended five feet further into foul territory and two rows of seats will be added behind the plate," meaning the "miniscule foul territory will be even smaller" (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/16).
DRAFT ZONE: Cobb County (Ga.) Dir of Communications Sheri Kell said that the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved the "creation of an open container tailgating district" outside the Braves' new SunTrust Park. In Atlanta, Ben Brasch notes the zone extends to the ballpark's neighboring mixed-use development, The Battery Atlanta. This decision also "allows for vendors to sell alcohol using push carts and other approved cooler set-ups, including the sale of draft beer" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 12/16).
STAR POWER: In Dallas, Ray Leszcynski notes the Cowboys on Thursday "named 14 new retail partners" for The Star in Frisco. Cowboys Exec VP & Chief Brand Officer Charlotte Jones Anderson said that The Star's first phase of retail development is about 75% "booked." She added that interest in the other 25% has "surpassed capacity as the retail community at The Star is somewhat selling itself" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/16).
