Facility Notes
In Dallas, Jon Nielsen reports the Duncanville City Council (TX) yesterday "terminated a lease agreement" with the Stars and "began a full-court press to convert the city's ice arena into a basketball field house." The Dr Pepper StarCenter is "expected to close late this month," and work is "expected to begin on the Bob Knight Field House in November with a possible opening as early as February." The facility is "expected to go through" a $1M conversion from "two ice arenas into six basketball courts that could also function as 10 volleyball courts." As part of the city's contract termination with the Stars, the team will pay the city $2M in "two payments over the next two years" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 9/24).
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MLS Red Bulls Hold Tour Of Red Bull Arena
For 20 Of The Longest-Tenured Ticket Holders |
STADIUM TOUR: In Newark, Andy McCullough reports MLS Red Bulls' 20 longest-tenured season-ticket holders yesterday toured the team's new Red Bull Arena, which is expected to open on March 28. The fans had a "chance to comb through the property and choose their new seats." In the coming weeks, other ticket holders "will get their chance for seats at the stadium" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 9/24).
TAXING ISSUE: In Portland, Brad Schmidt noted building a stadium for the Triple-A PCL Beavers could require the city of Beaverton to "sell revenue bonds -- perhaps between [$30-46M] -- with nearly all of the money to be repaid through higher utility and property taxes on residents." Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle Tuesday said that "any of the bond options are possible but he vowed to negotiate 'the best deal possible for Beaverton residents'" (Portland OREGONIAN, 9/23).
HOME REPAIRS: In San Diego, George Varga reported San Diego Sports Arena is "undergoing a $2.5[M] upgrade." Among the scheduled improvements are the installation of 2,200 new seats in the first eight rows, the installation of 80 LCD screens and "new restrooms throughout the building." Also, set to open next month is a "new, members-only VIP club (annual membership dues: $2,450), which will offer such perks as private parking, a separate entrance and bottle service." AEG Facilities last year gained a "controlling interest in the arena" under the name AEG Management San Diego (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 9/23).
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