In Baltimore, Sarah Meehan notes Shake Shack will open a spot at M&T Bank Stadium this season. Stadium concessionaire Aramark and the Ravens will "hold a ribbon-cutting" tomorrow (Baltimore SUN, 8/8). SI.com's Dan Gartland writes it is "expected to be up and running in time for the preseason opener on Thursday." The Ravens are the "first NFL team to host an outpost of the burgeoning burger chain" (SI.com, 8/8).
UPGRADE TIME: In Pittsburgh, Sean Gentille noted there is a "full-on new playing surface" at Heinz Field. The Steelers "brought in a full, fresh system of Kentucky bluegrass from Tuckahoe, N.J., and laid it over a brand-new set of heating pipes." Heinz Field Head of Corporate Communications Nick Sero said that the plan is to "replace the sod between the 35-yard lines in October, then do a full top-layer replacement" after local high school championship games in late November. Heinz Field also "boasts an upgraded South end zone scoreboard" from Daktronics that cost $3M (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 8/5).
ALL OVER THE MAP: Prince George’s County (Md.) Exec Rushern Baker III last week said, "When we talk to the Redskins organization, what they said to us is they want amenities for the fans to come there; they want a downtown experience." Baker, who is running for governor, said that he has "pitched the Redskins on both a new stadium in their current location" of Landover, Md., as well as an "oft-discussed move to National Harbor" along the Potomac River. In DC, Dan Steinberg noted the Redskins’ lease at FedExField runs through '27, but front-office officials are "actively seeking a new home" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 8/3).
MOMS IN CHARGE: In Denver, Benjamin Arthur noted the Broncos have "added a new Mamava lactation suite to Sports Authority Field" ahead of the preseason opener Aug. 26. Denver "becomes the first city in the U.S. with lactation suites at all of its downtown professional sports venues" (DENVERPOST.com, 8/4).
