Lions Vice Chair Bill Ford said that he "would like"
the team to be playing in its new downtown stadium in 2000,
but added that he "doesn't think that is realistic." The
team is in the beginning stages of receiving bids on the
project, and Ford said "realistically, I think it will be in
2001" (DETROIT NEWS, 7/31)....In the aftermath of the three
spectator deaths at MI Speedway, track officials said that
"at least four feet of protective fencing will be added" to
the 15-foot concrete and fence barrier in front of all
seating at the track (DETROIT NEWS, 8/2)....In DC,
architecture writer Benjamin Forgey previewed the Ravens'
new stadium, and reported that designer HOK Sports "made a
number of important gestures to make the stadium a worthy
partner" to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, while at the same
time ensuring that "it stands apart" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/1).
James Chibnall, a senior project designer for HOK who spent
two years on the Ravens stadium project, visited the
facility last week and said he "was extremely pleased" with
the way it turned out (Baltimore SUN, 8/2)....Eagles Owner
Jeffrey Lurie, on whether the team plans to renovate
Veterans Stadium: "We looked into [renovation] years ago and
just recently. It would not be competitive with most NFL
franchises. That is not an option for us." Lurie said that
he "can't see any scenario" in which the team would move,
and added that he is "confident" the team will "be able to
achieve our stadium goals" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 8/1).
...An informal survey by the DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE found that
respondents favored Marv Levy Field as the new name for Rich
Stadium. Rich's naming rights on the facility expired last
week, and Bills Owner Ralph Wilson has said that he won't
sell naming rights again (DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 8/2).
