In Houston, John McClain reported the Texans are installing a "170-decibel horn on top of Reliant Stadium that will sound 30 minutes and 15 minutes before kickoff." The Texans also have added a "red zone area inside each gate for fans to purchase items $20 or less." The team spent more than $2M "to improve concession stands, primarily so fans can get food and pay for it faster." The Go Texans Store also "has undergone a face-lift, including an extension into Budweiser Plaza on game days" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/28).
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A's Have Authorized Rendering Of A
Potential New Ballpark In San Jose |
DO YOU KNOW THE WAY TO SAN JOSE? In S.F., John Shea noted San Jose is "now the target" for a new A's ballpark, and the team has authorized and commissioned renderings of the potential facility. The ballpark would be "called Cisco Field," and S.F.-based Threesixty will be the architect. A's Owner Lew Wolff said, "We will move forward to implement our badly needed ballpark if we are fortunate enough to get the approval of the commissioner to build in the city of San Jose." A committee formed by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig is "in its 17th month analyzing the A's ballpark options" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 8/29).
SHADOWS OF THE DAY: In Milwaukee, Anthony Witrado reported yesterday's Pirates-Brewers game was the first this season at Miller Park "with a fraction [of] its back panels and part of the retractable roof in right field closed to kill some shadows." The decreased shadows "were definitely noticed and appreciated by players." Brewers GM Doug Melvin said that the team has "kicked around the idea of reducing the number of day games at home next season," but MLB regulations "could prevent those talks from getting out of their infancy" (JSONLINE.com, 8/29).
FENCED IN? D'Backs President & CEO Derrick Hall indicated that the team is "considering making changes to alter the offensive environment at Chase Field," including possibly "raising/moving back fences and/or installing a humidor." In Phoenix, Nick Piecoro asked, "Is there a way to know just how many home runs the altering of fences would prevent?" (AZCENTRAL.com, 8/27).
