In Oakland, David DeBolt noted the Warriors and the agency operating Oracle Arena are at "odds over how much debt the team owes." Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority Exec Dir Scott McKibben this week said that the two sides "disagree over the remaining" $55M debt and will "resume talks" once the '17-18 season begins. McKibben said, “Our position has been they owe the net amount. Their position has been they owe less than that.” At the heart of the issue is a "20-year lease" signed in '96 to include "upgrades to the arena, which were to be paid over 30 years" (EAST BAY TIMES, 9/22).
HOLDING STRONG: F1 Mexican Grand Prix Head of Marketing Rodrigo Sanchez said that the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit in southeast Mexico City was "not damaged" by this week's earthquake. Sanchez: "It’s been inspected twice already from the track surface and also the buildings, and it’s OK." REUTERS' Alan Baldwin noted the F1 race is "scheduled for Oct. 29." Sanchez said that the "immediate focus was on helping relief efforts and mobilising international support" (REUTERS, 9/21).
WHAT THE FANS WANT: In Sacramento, Noel Harris noted USL club Sacramento Republic FC "announced a citizen architect contest" Tuesday on its website, as the club "wants fans to be involved in planning for a stadium." Submissions are "welcome until Oct. 27." More information on the contest can be found on Republic FC's MLS website (SACBEE.com, 9/19).
