Facility Notes
 |
Conseco Fieldhouse's Operator,
CBI, Struggling Financially |
In Indianapolis, Mary Beth Schneider reports a group of Marion County (IN) legislators said that the cash reserves of township trustees "should be used as a temporary solution for the financially struggling" Capital Improvement Board (CBI), which operates Lucas Oil Stadium and Conseco Fieldhouse. However, the idea "didn't draw much support" yesterday. Indiana state Rep. Ed DeLaney, who supports the proposal, said, "The last thing we should do is look to the taxpayers when we have problems." DeLaney said that the "immediate problems of the CIB include a $16.9[M] payment that the CIB owes the state in June and a $26.3[M] pledge the CIB is facing in September as collateral for insuring bonds" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 4/21).
TEXAS TWO STEP: In Houston, Steve Campbell reports Univ. of Houston AD Dave Maggard is "trying to scuttle plans to build a $38[M] end-zone facility at Robertson Stadium." Maggard yesterday said that he is "trying to enlist support to improve all of Robertson Stadium rather than just adding an end-zone facility to the north side." Maggard has "consulted architects on a plan that could increase the amenities -- as well as the seating capacity -- of the 32,000-seat stadium" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 4/21).
PLACING YOUR BET: Kentucky state Rep. Alecia Webb-Edgington indicated that casino gambling and tax incentives for Kentucky Speedway "will be on a special session legislative agenda early this summer." Webb-Edgington said that she is "'confident' Gov. Steve Beshear will call lawmakers back to Frankfort in early to mid-June to deal with those issues." In Kentucky, Patrick Crowley noted a sales tax incentive for the speedway "died in the final days of the regular legislative session in March" (KENTUCKY ENQUIRER, 4/19).
COMMUNITY WATCH: Orange County (FL) Parks & Recreation Manager Matt Suedmeyer said that a new Magic community gym "slated for the Dr. Phillips area could end up in Winter Garden." In Orlando, David Damron notes "some Dr. Phillips residents argued that traffic problems could follow a new gym there and that it was not needed" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 4/21).
|
