In Houston, Bill Murphy reports AEG, which is moving the MLS Earthquakes to Houston, “hopes to form a partnership with a school district or other public entity that would share the costs” of a $65-80M soccer stadium. One plan calls for AEG, “on its own or with financial assistance from the Houston Independent School District,” to build a 20,000-to 25,000-seat venue on the site of the district’s Delmar Stadium. AEG is also exploring whether a school district “might become a partner in building a stadium surrounded by community soccer fields,” like FC Dallas’ Pizza Hut Park. AEG will also discuss with the Univ. of Houston sharing costs on a new on-campus stadium (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 12/22).
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| MCI Center Adds Outside Video Marquee |
WILD HORSES: The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) rejected a proposal from Magna Entertainment Corp. for ’06 that offered 180 days of live racing at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, year-round stabling and a request for “substantial contributions to help cover operating costs.” MTHA President Richard Hoffberger said that his group “accepted the 180 days, but wants to run locally during the summer months when the Maryland Jockey Club would rather keep its doors closed because of increased competition” from surrounding states. The MTHA also agreed to a contribution, “but not the one proposed” (
Sandra McKee, Baltimore SUN, 12/22).
CENTER OF ATTENTION: MCI Center has added a new 17’8”-high by 15’4”-wide video marquee on its 7th Street NW side, sponsored by the Washington Post and Geico, that airs Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic programming from 6:00-9:00am and 4:00pm-midnight ET, while showing Bloomberg News TV from 9:00am-4:00pm. The marquee, which also offers info on arena events, includes a sports and news ticker and closed captioning (MCI Center).
