The city of Memphis has proposed to spend $25M to upgrade the Liberty Bowl, and Univ. of Memphis AD R.C. Johnson indicated that the upgrades are "essential if the school is going to put a better football team on the field." Johnson said, "We want to continue to do everything we can to attract recruits." In Memphis, Jody Callahan reports in addition to "adding at least two JumboTron video screens and upgrading the stadium's luxury suites, the money would be used to demolish the Mid-South Coliseum while making other cosmetic upgrades" to the Liberty Bowl. Memphis Housing & Community Development Division Dir Robert Lipscomb called the proposal "just a presentation," but noted it was scheduled to appear before the City Council on April 5 (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 3/17).
THE COWBOY WAY: In Oklahoma City, Brandon Chatmon reports plans for Oklahoma State's indoor practice facility "aren't finalized, but construction might begin as soon as late May." The facility "will be used for all of OSU's athletic teams and would be the final step in the upgrade of the Cowboys football facilities." It will include three practice fields -- one turf, two grass -- beside the facility. The redesign also "features an Olympic size soccer field, meaning there will be plenty of room for a regulation size football field with ample sideline space" (DAILY OKLAHOMAN, 3/17).
MIGHT AS WELL JUMP: UCLA AD Dan Guerrero said that he was "'extremely disappointed' by an anonymous Bruins alumnus' plan to sell a center court section of the original Pauley Pavilion in an Internet auction next month." The 12-foot-diameter jump circle "is being sold by SCP Auctions," with bidding from April 15-30. Guerrero said that UCLA was "rebuffed in 'numerous attempts' to reacquire the circle from its owner, even after a donor offered to make a donation to the owner's charity of choice." The circle was used from '65-82 (L.A. TIMES, 3/17). Pauley Pavilion is undergoing renovations that should be completed for the '12-13 basketball season (THE DAILY).
