Falcons officials, who last month said that they would "update the construction schedule for Mercedes-Benz Stadium within seven to 10 days," now say that it will "take a while longer to assess the timeline." In Atlanta, Tim Tucker noted that "leaves open the question of whether the downtown stadium will host its first event as scheduled July 30 or be delayed for the third time." AMB Group Senior VP & Chief Communications Officer Brett Jewkes on Friday said, "We don’t expect to have an update for at least a week" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 4/8).
PUCK DROP: In Las Vegas, Steve Carp noted the Golden Knights’ new practice facility and HQ is "more than halfway finished and pointing toward a completion date in mid-August." Everything is "expected to be in place for the first training camp in September." Golden Knights Senior VP Murray Craven said that the 146,000-square-foot building "will cost" between $25-30M. Craven: "It’s also going to be a place for the community to come to and visit. We’re going to have youth hockey. UNLV is going to play its home games here. There’s going to be figure skating. This place is going to be busy and part of the city" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 4/9).
SEEING SPOTS: In Pittsburgh, Bill Brink notes all three Pirates OFs had "defensive issues in the first homestand of the year." Pirates Senior VP & GM Neal Huntington said PNC Park's new LED lights "might have an impact," as it is a "different look" than what the players are used to. The new lights are "supposed to provide more efficiency and reduce glare," as 12 other MLB parks have "similar lighting systems" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 4/10).
