In Seattle, Geoff Baker reports an RFP to "renovate KeyArena for NBA and NHL use" is to go out tomorrow with a "response due in three months." Seattle City Councilmember Debora Juarez yesterday said that a deadline of April 12 has "been set for interested parties to forward their proposals." AEG and Tim Leiweke's Oak View Group have "indicated they plan to apply." Meanwhile, a group headed by hedge fund manager Chris Hansen "expects in coming weeks to present the city a revised, all-privately-funded proposal to build a new arena in the Sodo District" (SEATTLE TIMES, 1/10).
CLOSED ENCOUNTERS: In Dallas, Matt Mosley wrote the closed-roof option for the new MLB Rangers ballpark "will be nice in August." Meanwhile, Mosley wrote the area in left field reminds him of Minute Maid Park in Houston, but there is "no train." In the end it will "look different enough to please fans." Mosley: "Let's not act like 50 percent of Rangers fans [have] even been to Minute Maid. Most folks just see it on TV. It's fine. It's nothing that blows you away." If there is "enough blowback," architect HKS "can change up some things" (DALLASNEWS.com, 1/6).
NAME TAG: In Delaware, Meghan Montemurro notes the Phillies' Spring Training ballpark in Clearwater, Fla., has "been renamed." Bright House Field is now Spectrum Field, "effective immediately." Charter Communications "purchased Bright House Networks in May" (Wilmington NEWS JOURNAL, 1/10). Phillies officials said that the signs with the new name "aren't up yet." But fans can "expect them soon" (TAMPABAY.com, 1/10).
