In California, Brenda Gazzar noted the Rose Bowl’s Legends Premium Sales team, which “started their effort in November, has already sold 20 out of 55 new luxury suites, which will be available for use in 2013.” But company officials said that “selling the rest of the high-end seating -- which will also include new loge boxes and club seating -- may not be easy.” The sales team, which “will soon expand from 3 to 5 people,” is “charged with generating 10 times more in annual sales revenue from the Rose Bowl's renovated press box than premium seating makes there today.” The 20 new suites “sold so far have been sold to existing suite holders,” and LPS Dir of Sales James Peterson said that “nearly all have been for 10-year contracts” (PASADENA STAR NEWS 4/6).
PLENTY OF OPTIONS: In L.A., Lance Pugmire reports the L.A. Memorial Sports Arena has been the "focus of an environmental impact report that greenlights alternative uses that would reduce the building to rubble." A 22,000-seat soccer stadium, a relocated NFL team's practice facility and an outdoor concert/festival venue are "among the possibilities" for the site, should the arena be demolished. MLS Chivas USA is "among those paying attention," as the club is "seeking to escape its kid-brother status to the Galaxy at the Home Depot Center." Chivas USA Communications Manager David Lindholm: "It's something we're aware of. We know it's important for our organization to have our own home and own stadium, for our own identity." Meanwhile, an AEG spokesperson said an NFL practice venue to support a team playing at the proposed downtown L.A. stadium has "yet to be discussed" and will be the "team's choice" (L.A. TIMES, 4/8).
ADDING TO THE PLAN: In Ft. Worth, Stefan Stevenson notes TCU "hopes to have a completely renovated Amon G. Carter Stadium ready by the start of the 2012 season, including the east side grandstands.” The original renovation plans and “push to raise $105 million in private donations did not include the east side (the visitors' side), although school officials talked openly about the potential for that being a Phase 2 project several years down the road.” After raising $127M, $22M “more than the original plans called for, TCU quietly decided to try to raise an additional $10 million to $15 million to finish the entire stadium by the 2012 season” (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 4/8).
