Facility Notes

In Ft. Lauderdale, Alex Marves reports Dolphins Owner Wayne Huizenga “appears to have changed his mind on the possibility of the Marlins remaining at Dolphins Stadium if they can’t procure their own stadium.” Huizenga in December told the Marlins they would have to leave the stadium when their lease expires in 2010. Huizenga: “We’re not against the Marlins staying on a long-term basis, but what we’re against are the problems with the field and all that kind of stuff. A lot of those problems go away if you have a roof” (Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, 3/24).

HOOP IT UP: In Detroit, Tony Manolatos reports The Palace of Auburn Hills for Pacers-Pistons on Friday will have a “new security plan, including an increased police presence” that was “specifically designed” for the game, which marks the Pacers first return to the arena since the November 19 brawl. Auburn Hills Police Department Lt. James Manning: “We will have a slightly increased staff and a plan in place to be on the lookout for any problems” (DETROIT NEWS, 3/24).

SAY HEY WILLIE: Shea Stadium this season will feature 20 large flat-panel HD TVs in high-visibility locations throughout the ballpark. The TVs will run full-motion ads and sports and team information including live scores during games and other events. The displays were created by Arena Media Networks, who will also manage them (Arena Media Networks). The Mets share responsibility for selling ad time on the TVs and “will get a cut of the revenue” (Holly Sanders, N.Y. POST, 3/23).

RIGHTING THE SHIP: The Tampa Sports Authority (TSA) has reached a settlement agreement with Raymond James Stadium seat-supplier Hussey Seating to replace the stadium’s red seats, which have turned pink. The TSA sued Hussey in January when the company indicated that it would not “be able to replace all the seats and repair the stanchions by June” (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 3/22).

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